Nile Crocodile Species Profile

This impressively large crocodilian is the species most often represented as a man-eater on television and movies. While worshipped historically by some cultures (including mummification by the ancient Egyptians), it is regarded by others as a scourge whenever activities near lakes and rivers are undertaken by man. Due to a history of preying upon large mammals at watering places across most of Africa, humans are not particularly large or difficult to capture and devour. Nile crocodiles have been relentlessly persecuted out of fear of that habit. This can easily be imagined by audiences worldwide since sensational footage has brought the croc versus wildebeest encounter into our living rooms via evening television.