Up the creek

Saltwater crocodile

Watch out where you swim in across northern Australia. These enormous beasts outnumber people and if you find yourself up the creek with a hungry croc, well, you’re up the creek all right! Saltwater crocodiles are one of the deadliest animals in Australia and are the largest extant crocodiles in the world. Dating back to the Mesozoic Era, they were hunted almost to extinction in Australia before becoming a protected species in 1971. While ‘salties’ spend most of their time lurking in murky waters, they can also jump considerable distances out of it and run fast for short distances. Their powerful jaws can apply up to 5,000 pounds of pressure per square inch - yet they don’t open easily and can be held shut with a rubber band - if you dare get close enough to slip one on!