# If you get bitten forcibly by a crocodile... **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 25, 2012, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-bitten-forcibly-by-a-crocodile/619876 "2012-04-25T02:42:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![SDMBKL](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sdmbkl/32/7297_2.png) [@SDMBKL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SDMBKL)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2012, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-bitten-forcibly-by-a-crocodile/619876/1 "2012-04-25T02:42:09Z")
If you get bitten forcibly by a crocodile on the limb (leg or arm), then will your brachial plexus be severed and permanently damaged? Does the crocodile’s teeth and jaw have enough power to pull your arm off? How much would it hurt? Do crocodiles eat humans, or is the reverse true? Is a crocodile an endangered animal or going to be endangered someday? ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2012, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-bitten-forcibly-by-a-crocodile/619876/2 "2012-04-25T02:59:21Z")
I can answer a couple of your questions just from general observations by watching nature shows. Yes, crocodiles and other crocodilians can easily sever an arm or a leg. That is how they feed. They grab on with their jaws and twist in the water to forcibly remove large chunks of flesh from their prey. Crocodiles do frequently eat humans, especially those who unwarily enter water close to the shore. Crocodiles only need about a foot or 18 inches of water to be completely undetectable by any prey which ventures too close to the water. Crocodiles are also farmed for their meat, so humans can and do eat crocodile meat. American crocodiles are considered vulnerable. Other species of crocodiles, such as Australia’s saltwater and freshwater crocodiles, and the Nile crocodile, are at the Least Concern end of the spectrum, which means their numbers are healthy and thriving. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2012, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-bitten-forcibly-by-a-crocodile/619876/3 "2012-04-25T03:17:56Z")
> [@](#): > > Crocodilians represent one of the oldest constant animal lineages on the planet, in no small part due to their formidable array of predatory adaptations. As both human and crocodilian populations expand, they increasingly encroach on each others’ territories, bringing morbidity and mortality to both populations. In this article, the medical and herpetologic literature pertaining to injuries caused by crocodilians is reviewed, and the patterns of saltwater crocodile attacks in Australia from 1971 to 2004 are analyzed. In this review, we examine the features of crocodilians that contribute to explaining their evolutionary success, as well as the potential hazard they pose to humans. Only by understanding their capabilities is it possible to mitigate the potential threat to life and limb. [http://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032(05)70380-X/abstract](http://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032%2805%2970380-X/abstract) > [@](#): > > The patterns of injuries inflicted by crocodilians occupy a wide spectrum in both nature and severity. The power and size of some animals are such that, if not lethal in the first instance, injuries can be as severe as those seen in major road trauma or in the military arena. Injury mechanisms are often a combination of penetrating, blunt, and shear forces, and this should be considered when evaluating wounds. > > The most common injuries sustained in a crocodilian attack are serious soft tissue and bone injuries, most often of the extremities. Complex compound fractures and tissue loss are not uncommon in the more severe attacks. In the Malawian series, 40% of patients were left with permanent deformities, with the average patient undergoing 4 procedures during a 31-day hospital stay.[78](http://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032%2805%2970380-X/fulltext#bib78) Crocodilian teeth are conical in shape and designed for penetration and holding,[8](http://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032%2805%2970380-X/fulltext#bib8) so most wounds are initially deep punctures. The interdigitating teeth of crocodiles in particular can inflict slash wounds. Most attacks occur in the water or at the water’s edge, and prolonged time underwater can result in drowning. > > Although the most extensive injuries are frequently penetrating, consideration should be given to the added effect of the blunt force applied. This can devitalize large areas of tissue that surrounds penetrating injuries, rendering them even more susceptible to infection and delaying wound healing. Blunt injury can also be inflicted by the tail. > > The anatomical area of the body affected by attacks appears to have a pattern of convenience—the animal will grasp whichever part of the person’s anatomy is presented. In the largest series of injuries inflicted by Nile crocodiles that describes sites of injury, legs and arms accounted for more than 80% of soft tissue injuries.[78](http://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032%2805%2970380-X/fulltext#bib78) In the largest series of alligator-inflicted injuries,[32](http://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032%2805%2970380-X/fulltext#bib32) this pattern of extremity injury is repeated, with 88% of injuries (where the site was described) affecting upper[91](http://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032%2805%2970380-X/fulltext#bib91) and lower (_n_ > > [http://www.wemjournal.org/webfiles/images/transparent.gif](http://www.wemjournal.org/webfiles/images/transparent.gif) > > = > > [http://www.wemjournal.org/webfiles/images/transparent.gif](http://www.wemjournal.org/webfiles/images/transparent.gif) > > 1. limbs. Wounds of the torso and head or neck accounted for 8.4%[16](http://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032%2805%2970380-X/fulltext#bib16) and 4.2%,[8](http://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032%2805%2970380-X/fulltext#bib8) respectively. Injuries to upper and lower limbs, including amputation, are well described elsewhere,[24](http://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032%2805%2970380-X/fulltext#bib24),[54](http://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032%2805%2970380-X/fulltext#bib54),[81](http://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032%2805%2970380-X/fulltext#bib81),[82](http://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032%2805%2970380-X/fulltext#bib82),[85](http://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032%2805%2970380-X/fulltext#bib85),[90](http://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032%2805%2970380-X/fulltext#bib90) as are injuries to the chest,[77](http://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032%2805%2970380-X/fulltext#bib77) head,[77](http://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032%2805%2970380-X/fulltext#bib77),[81](http://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032%2805%2970380-X/fulltext#bib81) and groin.[83](http://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032%2805%2970380-X/fulltext#bib83) From the full article cited above. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_Robson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gary_robson/32/3448_2.png) [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2012, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-bitten-forcibly-by-a-crocodile/619876/4 "2012-04-25T03:58:38Z")
> [@SDMBKL](#): > > Do crocodiles eat humans, or is the reverse true? Is a crocodile an endangered animal or going to be endangered someday? I don’t know about crocodiles, but I can tell you than American alligators are thriving, and they appear on the menu in quite a few restaurants. I’ve eaten alligator in Florida, Louisiana, and California. ---
**Author:** ![Corcaigh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Corcaigh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Corcaigh)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2012, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-bitten-forcibly-by-a-crocodile/619876/5 "2012-04-25T13:38:40Z")
> [@SDMBKL](#): > > If you get bitten forcibly by a crocodile on the limb (leg or arm), then will your brachial plexus be severed and permanently damaged? Does the crocodile’s teeth and jaw have enough power to pull your arm off? How much would it hurt? Do crocodiles eat humans, or is the reverse true? Is a crocodile an endangered animal or going to be endangered someday? Anecdotal information from an Aussie friend (who I swear just likes to scare me stupid - but paradoxically wants me to come visit some time) Crocs are numerous and can and will eat/disembowel a human being quite easily. In the event of you being disembowelled, you’re not allowed to kill the croc, as it’s against the law to kill them. I did see a programme on TV where a croc in a zoo was being moved, the croc grabbed one of the zoo keepers by the arm and went into a “death roll”. It looked like an old Benny Hill show, where they stop the camera, put a dummy in the croc’s mouth then started the camera again. The man didn’t loose his arm, but it was hanging like a bit of wet spaghetti, IIRC his shoulder and elbow were both dislocated. He was lucky the croc let go after one turn, otherwise he would have lost his arm. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2012, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-bitten-forcibly-by-a-crocodile/619876/6 "2012-04-25T13:43:12Z")
What populations of animals do crocs control as an apex predator that would otherwise present some other nuisance or threat to mankind? Snakes? In other words, what would the repercussions be ecologically speaking if we were to wipe them out? ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2012, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-bitten-forcibly-by-a-crocodile/619876/7 "2012-04-25T13:44:52Z")
Depends on how strong the crocs mitichlorians are. ---
**Author:** ![chrisk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@chrisk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chrisk)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2012, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-bitten-forcibly-by-a-crocodile/619876/8 "2012-04-25T13:54:19Z")
I’m just wondering if it’s possible to get bitten by a crocodile in **any** other way than [forcibly](http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/forcibly?s=t). Maybe he just nibbles on you, hardly draws blood? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2012, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-bitten-forcibly-by-a-crocodile/619876/9 "2012-04-25T13:54:50Z")
> [@FoieGrasIsEvil](#): > > What populations of animals do crocs control as an apex predator that would otherwise present some other nuisance or threat to mankind? There are intended and unintended consequences of removing apex predators in any ecosystem. Subtle changes can ripple through the ecosystem and cause much larger impact than simple the immediate prey species. In the southeastern US there are mainly alligators, not crocodiles. Crocs are relatively rare, only 500 to 1200 estimated in the wild. Despite anecdotes, there have been no confirmed cases of a fatal crocodile attack on humans in the US. They have happened elsewhere in the Caribbean. ---
**Author:** ![Finagle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@Finagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finagle)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2012, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-bitten-forcibly-by-a-crocodile/619876/10 "2012-04-25T17:07:57Z")
> [@FoieGrasIsEvil](#): > > What populations of animals do crocs control as an apex predator that would otherwise present some other nuisance or threat to mankind? Snakes? In other words, what would the repercussions be ecologically speaking if we were to wipe them out? People would have to shop at Walmart in better-looking footwear. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2012, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-bitten-forcibly-by-a-crocodile/619876/11 "2012-04-25T17:18:05Z")
> [@SDMBKL](#): > > If you get bitten forcibly by a crocodile on the limb (leg or arm), then will your brachial plexus be severed and permanently damaged? A crocodile forcibly biting a leg and causing permanent brachial plexus damage is one helluva crocodile. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2012, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-bitten-forcibly-by-a-crocodile/619876/12 "2012-04-25T17:38:13Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > A crocodile forcibly biting a leg and causing permanent brachial plexus damage is one helluva crocodile. I’m not sure exactly where the brachial plexus runs, but crocs have big sharp teeth that can penetrate deeply into flesh. People who survive bites end up with a nice looking set of puncture wounds. So if the nerve is in a position to be pierced by one of those teeth it’s certainly possible, but maybe not likely. ---
**Author:** ![SDMBKL](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sdmbkl/32/7297_2.png) [@SDMBKL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SDMBKL)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2012, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-bitten-forcibly-by-a-crocodile/619876/13 "2012-04-25T17:38:32Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > A crocodile forcibly biting a leg and causing permanent brachial plexus damage is one helluva crocodile. Well… the brachial plexus is really a set of nerves in the neck region. I suppose the crocodile can bite the leg, tug, “do the death roll”, and if the neck or arm is caught somewhere while the crocodile is pulling in the other direction, then yeah… totally it’s possible. Brachial = arm el brazo = arm That’s how I remember it. ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2012, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-bitten-forcibly-by-a-crocodile/619876/14 "2012-04-25T17:46:42Z")
> [@SDMBKL](#): > > How much would it hurt? This is more of an IMHO response, but I’m going to give it a shot: It would hurt a little bit. Maybe more. ---
**Author:** ![Anne\_Neville](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Anne\_Neville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anne_Neville)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2012, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-bitten-forcibly-by-a-crocodile/619876/15 "2012-04-25T18:02:25Z")
> [@FoieGrasIsEvil](#): > > What populations of animals do crocs control as an apex predator that would otherwise present some other nuisance or threat to mankind? Snakes? In other words, what would the repercussions be ecologically speaking if we were to wipe them out? Then I wouldn’t be able to surround my house with a moat filled with saltwater crocodiles with laser beams on their heads. What am I going to throw my enemies to, if I can’t do that? No, sharks with laser beams on their heads will NOT do! Then I’d have to dig the moat a lot deeper, and that would cost more. ---
**Author:** ![Nars\_Glinley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nars_glinley/32/8177_2.png) [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2012, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-bitten-forcibly-by-a-crocodile/619876/16 "2012-04-25T18:17:39Z")
I read on the internet somewhere (so it must be true) that while a croc’s jaws have an amazing ability to bite down hard, they’re very weak when it comes to opening them. So, if you find yourself under a croc attack, all that you have to do is hold his mouth shut until he becomes bored with you and wanders off. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2012, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-bitten-forcibly-by-a-crocodile/619876/17 "2012-04-25T18:25:52Z")
> [@SDMBKL](#): > > How much would it hurt? A lot. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2012, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-bitten-forcibly-by-a-crocodile/619876/18 "2012-04-25T18:28:20Z")
> [@Nars\_Glinley](#): > > I read on the internet somewhere (so it must be true) that while a croc’s jaws have an amazing ability to bite down hard, they’re very weak when it comes to opening them. So, if you find yourself under a croc attack, all that you have to do is hold his mouth shut until he becomes bored with you and wanders off. Oh…no problem then! I’m going to go try this out. I will report back shortly… ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2012, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-bitten-forcibly-by-a-crocodile/619876/19 "2012-04-25T18:47:17Z")
> [@Nars\_Glinley](#): > > I read on the internet somewhere (so it must be true) that while a croc’s jaws have an amazing ability to bite down hard, they’re very weak when it comes to opening them. So, if you find yourself under a croc attack, all that you have to do is hold his mouth shut until he becomes bored with you and wanders off. From various nature shows (including, dear God help me, The Crocodile Hunter) this is true - when transporting crocs one guy will lay on top & hold the mouth shut while someone else runs a few wraps of tape (usually electrical or duct) around it. However, I don’t think it would be viable tactic for being “under croc attack”, since I’d hazard that in 99% of croc attacks, the very first thing you become aware of is the large crocodile that’s already biting you. It’s not like they get out of the water, chase you down, knock you down with their tail and then bite you. They’re ambush attackers. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2012, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-bitten-forcibly-by-a-crocodile/619876/20 "2012-04-25T18:56:19Z")
> [@Dag\_Otto](#): > > It would hurt a little bit. Maybe more. Like this? bite [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-bitten-forcibly-by-a-crocodile/619876.md?page=2)