Watch This Ruthless Crocodile Steal a Shark Right From a Fisherman’s Line

Written by Sharon Parry
Updated: October 19, 2023
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Saltwater crocodiles are not to be messed with! If you are out fishing and they want your catch, our advice is to let them have it. This short clip was filmed in Western Australia. It shows the largest reptile species on earth deciding that a shark hooked by a fisherman is its property. The determined croc shows no sign whatsoever of letting go. The shark clearly has no choice in the matter and its fate is sealed either way. Eventually, the line snaps and the croc makes off with its prize. It looks as if the hook is still attached so hopefully, it does not injure this opportunistic predator.

Watch the Incredible Video Below!

The Strongest Bite of Any Animal

We get a great view of this crocodile’s bite. We can all imagine that, with such huge jaws, the bite force exerted by these crocs will be pretty impressive. However, we don’t have to imagine anymore because scientists have measured it! The research shows that saltwater crocs bite down with 3,700 pounds per square inch (psi), or 16,460 newtons, of bite force. This is greater than measured on any living animal.

In comparison, hyenas, lions, and tigers generate around 1,000 psi each and humans can only manage a meagre 150 to 200 psi (890 newtons). Modelling has estimated that another ferocious predator, a 21-foot great white shark, could produce nearly 4,000 psi but this was not directly measured.

Saltwater Crocodile

Saltwater crocodiles have the most powerful measured bite on earth

©Susan Flashman/Shutterstock.com

Best to Avoid Saltwater Crocodiles

Saltwater crocs are best avoided. They are often around 17 feet in length and weigh around 1000 pounds. The largest ones, however, have grown to 23 feet and over 2200 pounds! Whilst they are not as aggressive as the Nile crocodiles, they are not exactly friendly either and attack dozens of people a year. They are an apex predator and will eat just about anything they can get in their mouths. That includes all types of fish as well as birds and crustaceans. They will also attack and eat farmed cattle, boar and turtles. They don’t just attack humans, they eat them! The fisherman made a wise decision to surrender this shark.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Firepac/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Dr Sharon Parry is a writer at A-Z animals where her primary focus is on dogs, animal behavior, and research. Sharon holds a PhD from Leeds University, UK which she earned in 1998 and has been working as a science writer for the last 15 years. A resident of Wales, UK, Sharon loves taking care of her spaniel named Dexter and hiking around coastlines and mountains.

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