Saltwater Crocodile
By:Jessica.N. & Tracey
General Statement
A salt water crocodile is a native animal to Australia.These creatures are deadly and dangerous to people that live near fresh water.They are cold blooded animals,they are reptiles.The largest crocodilians on Earth, saltwater crocs, or "salties," are excellent swimmers and have often been spotted far out at sea.
Appearance
The salt water crocodile has sharp teeth but aren't sharp as pointy[they sink rather than bite of]as their usual kill is done by pulling their prey underwater and drowning it.Well because they need to be able to catch and eat their prey.They are carnivores,or meat-eaters,so if they had dull teeth,they wouldn't be able to eat deer or antelope or other animals.Earth’s largest living crocodilian—and, some say, the animal most likely to eat a human—is the saltwater or estuarine crocodile. Average-size males reach 17 feet (5 meters) and 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms), but specimens 23 feet (7 meters) long and weighing 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms) are not uncommon.
Habitat
The name salt water crocodile would lead you to believe the salt water crocodile lives in salt water.This is not eintirley true.Salt water crocodiles have been found reguraly in fresh water.
Eating Habits
The crocodile is a strict carnivore.It will eat fish,birds,turtles,cattle,buffalo and virtualuality any other animal it can take down and develope.
The quick answer to this question is…..anything it can get a hold of! They are known to eat rocks which is thought to be an aid to digestion. Sweetheart, a famous crocodile in the Northern Territory was found to have a large kerosene tin it munched on.
Breeding
Breeding season in saltwater crocodiles usually begins in late August in captivity and up to a month later in the wild. During this time, the crocs, male and female both, become very aggressive and territorial. Females are sexually mature once they reach 2.2-2.5 meters of length or 10-12 years old, while the males are mature at 3.2 meters at 16 years old. The females protect areas a kilometer in diameter and drive out other females trying to nest in their area. They also drive out unwanted males. Males normally defend a much larger area. Other male adults are rarely tolerated once they enter these territories. Though they are very dangerous and highly aggressive, the males will try to avoid fighting. They put on elaborate shows of intimidation. They use a combination of different visual, acoustic, chemical, and mechanical signals.