A 14-and-a-half-foot-tall crocodile weighing 770 pounds has recently been caught in a recreational area of Australia.
Although such large crocodiles are rarely found, according to Guinness World Records, the world's largest crocodile ever caught was 20 feet three inches long and weighed close to 2,400 pounds, which was caught in the Philippines in September 2011. Was
Wildlife Rangers, Australia's wildlife conservation department, say it is the largest crocodile to be caught in many years in the northern Australian resort area, which is a major tourist attraction.
The crocodile was caught in the Flora River Amusement Park, 75 miles from the town of Outback, said John Burke, a senior wildlife ranger in the northern area of Catherine.
He said he did not remember ever catching a bigger crocodile in the Flora River. Three years ago, however, a 15-and-a-half-foot-tall crocodile was caught off the Catherine River, but the Catherine River is close to the sea and saltwater crocodiles are usually larger and heavier.
Crocodiles are found in large numbers in Australia's hot and humid northern regions, due to the Australian government's ban on hunting in the 1970s to save their species.
"The number of crocodiles in the amusement park has increased so much that we have to make special arrangements to keep tourists safe and steps are being taken to control the number of crocodiles," Burke said.
The captured crocodiles have been taken to a crocodile farm where they are bred. The farm raises crocodiles for commercial purposes and sells their skins and meat. Crocodile skin is very expensive. It makes handbags, women's purses and many other expensive decorative products.
Interestingly, the crocodile is one of the oldest living creatures in the world. Scientists say the presence of crocodiles was discovered 250 million years ago. In that sense, it is a contemporary of dinosaurs and birds. The crocodile belongs to the genus Lizard.
The crocodile is a cold-blooded animal. Once fed, he can live for many months without eating anything else.
Crocodile jaws are extremely powerful, with an estimated strength of 3700 pounds. That is why it is very difficult to get out of the crocodile's jaws. The crocodile cannot chew its prey but swallows it whole.
On the other hand, the nerves to open the jaws of this terrifying and powerful animal are very weak. Anyone can stop him from opening his mouth by pressing his jaws and controlling him.
