I need a ride... and make it snappy: Crazy crocodile crosses river on the back of a hippo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6vJXRwsoSkendofvid

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By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

They'll never see me up here: The croc was snapped on the back of a hippo in Tanzania


How did the crocodile cross the lake?

He hopped on the back of a hippo to get to the other side.

It may sound like a joke but these amazing pictures from Tanzania capture a crazy croc doing just that.

Caught in the middle of a hippopotamus fight, the reptile grabbed on to one of the powerful mammals' backs.

The three-ton beast was so distracted by the commotion around her that she had no idea a five-year-old predator was perched on top of her.

British wildlife guide Mark Johnson took the incredible pictures while he was guiding tourists on a river safari on the Luwego River near Lukula.


Nearly there... must hold on: The croc found himself taken for a ride after a brawl between the hippopotami on the Luwego River near Lukula


The female hippo made her way to shore but ended up with the scaly intruder on her back as she emerged from the water.

Mr Johnson, who moved to Tanzania as a child, and his group watched in amazement as the croc clung on for half-a-minute before it slid into the water.

'It has to be one of the funniest things I've ever seen,' he said.


Undetected: The five-year-old croc remains on top of the hippo and almost gets to the other side


'It was a gorgeous October afternoon - a peak time of year for game viewing - and we were driving up the sand banks in the middle of the river.

'It's dry at this time of year and all the animals congregate at the remaining water, bringing crocs and hippos a bit closer than they usually like.

'Two huge male bulls in close proximity erupted into a fight, causing the rest of the herd to head away.

'In the excitement I think the croc sought refuge from being stood on and had climbed on to a passing hippo's back.

'After a while the croc unceremoniously fell off her and we all burst into laughter.'



Splashdown: The crocodile was unceremoniously dumped off the hippo near the edge of the bank and swam away (at the bottom of the picture)


He showed his pictures to amused locals who confirmed they had never seen anything like it before.

Hippopotami and crocodiles do not generally interact with each other - but their love of the same water-based habitat sometimes causes unavoidable clashes.

The mighty herbivores are usually too big to be threatened by crocodiles.
'You will find many crocodiles near hippos because their diet consists mainly of fish,' Johnson added.

'The fish hang around the hippos to eat their dung. In turn the crocs eat the fish.'

Extremely heavy hippos can outrun humans. Known as one of Africa's most dangerous animals, they have been recorded running at speeds of up to 19mph on their short stubby legs.

Crocodiles live up to a staggering 150 years and can survive on just one big meal a year.




source: dailymail
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I ain't no scaredy cat: Fearless feline fights off TWO giant alligators

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zds3680RcsMendofvid

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By CHRIS SLACK

Ready for battle: The cat gets set to attack the alligator at the Louisiana farm


They are normally used to catching the odd mouse and avoiding the neighbours' dog.
But this cat doesn't seem to be at all bothered by his latest foes - two huge alligators

Reportedly filmed on a farm in Louisiana, this black cat stalked and stared out his enemies before successfully forcing them to both return to the lake.


Take that! Realising his chance, the cat lashes out at the alligator with his left paw


In the two minute YouTube video, the cat is filmed sneaking up on the alligator before swiping a paw at his nose.

The alligator then looks poised to make the cat pay, but instead retreats towards the lake.

And despite the fact the moggy could still be swallowed whole in the alligator's jaws, the pair both lie perfectly still, not wanting to make the first move.


On the retreat: Facing up against the brave cat is too much for the alligator and he returns to the lake



Two's a crowd: The cat again uses his trusty left paw to fight off a second reptile


One stunned onlooker can even be heard saying 'this is unbelievable' and 'that cat has no fear' as the pair stare each other out.

Looking to restore his pride, the reptile returns to the water, and appears to have a secret plan when he and another animal launch a two-pronged attack.


Backing off: Both animals keep their distance as the cat stalks his territory


However, the unafraid feline doesn't back off, instead launching a left hook at the second alligator, who quickly slides off into the water.

Fearful of having to battle the cat again the first alligator stays at the water's edge, allowing the cat to join a friend, who kept a safe distance.

While this cat may have had a lucky escape, alligators are common in Louisiana and are the State reptile.

And while cats are not usually on the menu, a fully grown adult's diet includes beavers, racoons and deer as well as large birds and fish.


source: dailymail
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