Crocodiles stack on top of each other as if cuddling by the river

4 years ago
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Crocodiles are not known for being cuddly or affectionate creatures, and yet this pair seems to be cuddling quite enthusiastically as they lie beside the river in Cuba. One has likely found a sunny spot to sunbathe and the other has decided to do the same. He has climbed up on top of the other and gotten very comfortable. It's anybody's guess what motivates them to do this, but Crocodiles are highly competitive for food and for territory. Although somewhat social, they don't seem to need togetherness like many other animals.
This video gives us a close look at the formidable teeth and powerful jaws that make the crocodile such a ferocious predator. The clamping strength of their jaws allow them to easily crush the shell of a large turtle. The Cuban crocodile feeds on fish, turtles, and small mammals, often seeking prey that comes to the water to drink.
Cuban crocodiles can grow to more than 3.5m (11 feet in length) and can weigh up to 215kg (475lbs). Their legs are longer than that of other reptiles in the crocodile family making them more terrestrial than the others. They are capable of higher running speeds than others. These crocs are thought to be the most intelligent crocodile species and capable of pack hunting behaviour. They are aggressive, even in captivity and they are known to show aggression towards their keepers. Despite this higher aggression, there is only one documented fatal attack on a human. It is believed that this is a result of these crocodiles infrequently having the same habitat range as people.
Cuban crocodiles have been hunted to near extinction and they are now critically endangered. They typically lay 60-70 eggs at a time but many offspring do not survive to adulthood due to hunting, predation, illegal pet trade and also cannibalism. Crocodiles are known to eat juvenile crocodiles on occasion.

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