A crocodile set its sights on a herd of elephants gathering at a dam near Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.
In a recent upload to Latest Sightings, Africam footage from a dam overlooking the Zambezi National Park showed a brush-off between a herd of five elephants and an unlikely opponent: a crocodile.
A thirsty herd of elephants had returned to the watering hole for a drink on multiple occasions. On each of these occasions, the crocodile – a resident of the dam – advanced on its unlikely opponents.
Given the sheer size of an elephant in comparison to a crocodile, and the fact that on several occasions, this crocodile could be seen challenging the larger members of the elephant herd, one must wonder, what did the elephants do to get in this croc’s bad books?
Perhaps, due to these ‘gentle giants’ consuming up to 200 litres of water a day, the crocodile was concerned that the elephants would deplete the spot he loves to call home.
The footage shows the croc lurking nearby each time the elephants return for a drink, as he waits for his opportunity to strike.
A few shallow attempts would leave him successful.
However, one morning, as the herd went for a drink again, the crocodile turned up the heat.
In full stealth mode, the croc decided to advance on an elephant who began to drink right next to his hiding spot. As the elephant went in for another sip, the crocodile struck, snapping its jaws and catching the tip of the elephant’s trunk.
With a loud trumpet, the elephant alerted the rest of the herd to its pain, but the crocodile wouldn’t let go. The elephant had no choice but to drag the crocodile out of the water, dangling by its trunk. Still, the crocodile clung on.
Eventually, the elephant shook its head violently, flinging the croc around, and the crocodile released its grip.
The elephant fled, and the crocodile slunk back into the water, seemingly unfazed, waiting for its next opportunity.
