XCEPTIONAL REPTILES Crocodiles are reptiles They are fierce hunters They hide under the water’s surface Then they explode out of the water to attack Their bite is the strongest of any animal in the world Crocodile Basics Crocodiles are usually brown or dark green Thick scales called scutes cover their bodies Scutes have tiny sense organs They are shaped like tiny domes These organs feel movement and pressure in water They are more sensitive than human fingertips Crocodiles are related to gharials caimans and alligators They are often mistaken for alligators But these animals have slight differences Alligators have wide U-shaped snouts Crocodiles snouts are long and V-shaped Alligators teeth are mostly hidden when they close their mouths But crocodiles teeth always show 5
SOUTH AMERICA NORTH AMERICA CROCODILES AROUND THE WORLD Crocodiles live in warm tropical areas Many prefer freshwater habitats but some dwell in brackish or slightly salty waters crocodile range CUBAN CROCODILES Found only in Zapata Swamp Cuban crocodiles are unusually curious DWARF CROCODILES about five feet 1 5 m long less than 70 pounds 31 8 kg 6
AUSTRALIA AFRICA ASIA SALTWATER CROCODILES about 23 feet 7 m long up to 2,200 pounds 998 kg SALTIES Saltwater crocodiles are nicknamed salties in Australia EUROPE NILE CROCODILES Nile crocodiles attack almost 100 people in Africa each year 7
