How Do Crocodiles Drown Animals Twice Their Size? A Herpetologist Explains

Crocodiles hunt by ambushing prey at the water’s edge, then locking on with extremely powerful jaws.

Instead of chasing or chewing, they use the death roll—a twisting motion—to tear prey apart.

Studies on crocodilian bite force and twist feeding show this is a trained feeding tactic, not random aggression.

The strategy makes crocodiles highly effective predators despite being poorly built for pursuit on land.