Hiding From Predators
As adults, crocodiles have few predators to hide from; the only thing that concerns a large crocodile is an even larger crocodile or a human. Accordingly, cryptic coloration isn’t needed; adult crocodiles are primarily protected by their size and unparalleled aquatic abilities. Young crocodiles are a different matter, and they are on the menu for a variety of predators including snakes, wading birds, raccoons, large fish, turtles and other crocodiles. Juveniles are very well camouflaged; generally they are colored light olive green with numerous dark crossbars and black spots. The heavy patterning of juveniles provides effective camouflage and enables them to hide among the vegetation at the water’s edge