Wildlife: Wild Swamp Crocodile Swimming In Lagoon In Jungle Stock Image

A wild swamp crocodile Cocodrilus Moreletti is seen in a lagoon, in the Dos Lagunas Natural Reserve in Petén, Guatemala. Also known as Mexican Crocodile or Central American Crocodile, this animal lives in most of the Yucatán Peninsula, from Mexico to Guatemala and Belize. Is a modest-sized crocodilian found only in fresh waters of the Atlantic regions. It usually grows to about 3 meters 9.8 ft in length. The species has a fossil record in Guatemala. They have four short legs, giving them a rather sprawling gait, and a long tail, which is used for swimming. The hind feet of the crocodiles are webbed. They have very explosive capabilities because of their strong muscles and are fast runners. Like most crocodilians, Morelet`s crocodiles are highly opportunistic and will prey on practically anything that they can overpower that comes in their territories. Adults largely prey on small mammals, birds, and other reptiles as well as gastropods, crustaceans and other invertebrates. These small mammals can include domesticated animals like cats and dogs. Large specimens have been shown to be able to overtake large prey. Although previously thought to be inoffensive, there have been recent reports that the species has attacked humans on multiple occasions and at least 12 documented human fatalities have occurred. Despite the relatively small size of the species, large adult Morelet`s are aggressive and easily capable of overpowering an unaware human near the water.