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Crocodiles are probably not the first animals that come to mind when you think of the word “cute”. But we think we can make an exception for young crocodiles. Did you know that female crocodiles can? lay up to 60 eggs or that they carry their babies in their mouths?
Keep reading to learn five amazing facts and to see some cute pictures of crocodile boy.
#1: 99% of baby crocodiles don’t survive their first year
You may be surprised to learn that although crocodiles are known for their strength, most of their babies don’t make it to their first birthdays. This is because there are an abundance of crocodile predators, including: lizards, hyenas and even other crocodiles
This infant mortality rate for crocodiles is a pretty serious problem. About 99% of baby crocodiles are eaten before their first birthday. As a result of these and other threats, several crocodile species are classified as endangered.
#2: Female Crocodiles can lay up to 60 eggs!
Did you know that crocodile pups are so named because they hatch from eggs? It’s true! Crocodile eggs are about the size of goose eggs and are buried under sandy beaches for protection from the elements and predators. Mother crocodiles can even lay up to 60 eggs at a time!
Scientists believe a major reason why crocodiles lay so many eggs is due to the animals’ infant mortality rate. Predators love raccoons, lizards, mongooses and especially enjoy crocodile eggs and pose a huge threat to the unborn babies. A majority of the eggs in a crocodile’s clutch will never hatch due to these factors.
When baby crocodile eggs are ready to hatch, the animals break out of their shells using a special tooth called an egg tooth. They then make growling noises from inside the nest to warn their mother. The mother crocodile will then care for her babies by using her teeth to aid in hatching and eventually carrying them to the water for their very first swimming lesson.
Fun fact: in some cultures, crocodile eggs are considered a delicacy! Imagine eating in a fancy restaurant and seeing crocodile eggs on the menu! Pretty wild, huh?
#3: Young Crocodile Boy Can Lose Their Teeth
When newborn crocodiles are born, they have an egg tooth to break out of their shell. As they get older, they gain many more teeth, the number of which varies depending on the type of crocodile they are. But since these fantastic animals can’t brush their teeth, evolution has found another way to keep them healthy and sharp: by shedding.
Since crocodiles are mainly carnivorous creatures, they should be able to bite easily turtles, small animals and even large prey. One of the main ways they can do this is through a strong jaw and sharp teeth. But because they can’t brush their teeth, they become weaker and dull over time. This is when crocodiles have to drop their teeth to grow a new pair.
When crocodiles are babies, they can drop and regrow their teeth at quick intervals on demand. As they get older, they have to expend more and more energy to complete the process, as a result, the molting process slows down.
Animals that can shed and regrow their teeth are called polyphyodonts. Baby crocodiles are polyphyodonts.
#4: Crocodile Babies Depend On Their Mother
You’ve probably guessed that every baby animal — not just crocodiles — relies on their parents for protection as they grow up. When it comes to crocodile babies, their mothers also play a unique role in growing up. A mother crocodile’s work begins the moment her babies hatch.
Unlike others sea animalscrocodiles cannot dig out of the nests they are buried in for protection. Instead, they have to rely on their mother to dig them out once they have hatched. They do this by making growling noises that alert their mother, who promptly comes to their rescue.
Mother crocodiles are unique from other female reptiles in that they are known for their nurturing qualities when it comes to their young. Most reptiles don’t play that active role in raising their babies, so the bond that mom and baby crocodile cubs have is a special bond. How cute!
#5: Mother Crocodiles Carry Their Babies in Their Mouths
As newborns, crocodiles also cannot walk. This means that their mother has to carry them when traveling. Mother crocodiles often carry their babies in their mouths. Although an adult crocodile’s jaw is powerful, mothers are extremely gentle with their babies while carrying them around.
Female crocodiles mainly use their mouths to carry their young from the nest to the water, but they have also been known to carry them this way for other activities.
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