A crocodile would usually stay away from elephants because they are too big for them. However, they might occasionally prey on smaller elephants and baby elephants. A large elephant could easily trample a crocodile so the croc would probably not pick a fight against one.
Crocodiles are known for being fast and unpredictable hunters. They’re not very picky eaters, so if they find an animal that is close enough for them to attack and vulnerable enough, they will attack it. This behavior has seen many baby elephants being attacked and eaten by crocodiles. However, an adult elephant is too strong for the crocodile to handle.
Summary Table: Crocodile vs Elephant
| Crocodile | Elephant | |
|---|---|---|
| Strength (Bite Force) | 3700 PSI | / |
| Size | Up to 20 feet | 18 – 24 feet |
| Diet | Carnivorous | Herbivorous |
| Habitat | Tropical | Wetlands, forests, grasslands, savannas, deserts |
| Conservation Status | Low – endangered | Endangered |
Comparison: Crocodile vs Elephant
How does a crocodile compare to an elephant? Let’s find out.
1. Strength
An adult elephant is much stronger than an adult crocodile, although it will depend on the species and the age of the elephant. A crocodile would have no trouble dealing with a baby elephant, but a typical adult elephant would be way too much for a crocodile, no matter how large it is.
The average elephant will weigh anywhere between 5000 and 14.000 pounds, while an adult crocodile might only weigh around 2000 pounds at the very most. Elephants are also much larger than crocodiles, which makes them a much more threatening animal for the crocodile, and they will avoid them.
One of the main reasons why adult elephants are stronger than adult crocodiles is their sheer power and strength. Although a crocodile bite could do a lot of damage to a typical elephant, it would not be nearly enough to kill the elephant or cause terminal damage. Before a crocodile would kill an elephant, the elephant would be able to defend itself.
Crocodiles hunt by dragging the prey into the water and killing it there. In the case of an elephant, the crocodile would not be able to do much damage because of the size and weight of the elephant. A crocodile could, potentially, attack a baby elephant and kill it, though it might still be too large for the croc.
In general, it’s fair to say that elephants are stronger and larger than crocodiles, which is one of the main reasons why crocs avoid attacking elephants completely.
Related Article: 10 Elephant Adaptations
2. Size
Elephants are usually much larger than crocodiles. A typical elephant will grow to anywhere between 18 to 24 feet in size. It is also taller and much heavier than a crocodile. An elephant will weigh up to 14.000 pounds while a crocodile will only weigh up to 2000 pounds at most.
The smallest elephant species in Asia is the Bornean elephant. This elephant will grow to about 10 feet in size at most. This type of elephant would still be larger than the majority of crocodiles it comes across in its habitat.
Typically, crocodiles will, on average, be anywhere between 10 – 15 feet in size, although there are many smaller crocodile species out there. The smallest crocodile might only be about 6 feet large.
On the other hand, the largest elephants can grow larger than 13 feet tall, which makes them an intimidating animal for any other animal to face. Crocodiles, especially would not be able to cope with the size such as that, and they would generally avoid large elephants as they will not attack them.
If a smaller, baby elephant would approach a water source where a crocodile is, the croc might be tempted to attack it. This has happened on many occasions, and the attacks have not ended well for the baby elephant. The crocodile would have much more confidence attacking a smaller elephant like that.
Related Article: Do Elephant Eat Bananas?
3. Diet
The diets of crocodiles and elephants are very different. Crocodiles are primarily carnivorous as they are apex predators, while elephants prefer a herbivorous diet.
Crocodiles are some of the most effective and powerful predators in nature. They will hide in the water and wait for their prey to ambush it. They are more powerful in the water because they can drag the animal they attack into the water and subdue it there. This gives the defending animal next to no chance of survival.
Elephants are much more peaceful animals. They feed on a variety of plants and trees, including savanna grasses, herbs, trees, bark, shrubs, fruits, and other veggies they can find around them. In essence, they will eat almost any type of vegetable they can find around them as they are not very picky eaters.
4. Habitat
Most crocodiles live in tropical areas with a good water source to sustain them. They will spend most of their time in the water. Elephants, on the other hand, have a wider variety of habitats. Some live in tropical areas, while others live in woods, savannas, grasslands, while some might even live in deserts.
Crocs and alligators live near a water source, and most of these animals prefer a tropical habitat, too. The main reason why they love water is that they can hide in the water and stay there for prolonged periods. This helps them hide from their prey and then ambush their prey when they want to attack.
Elephants are much more peaceful. They might shift from one area to another. And with the variety that elephants offer, you will also find them in different habitats. Some prefer wooded areas, others prefer open spaces. Still, some elephants prefer to live in deserts or drier areas.
Related Crocodile Comparisons:
- Crocodiles vs Jaguars
- Crocodiles vs Hippos
- Crocodiles vs Komodo Dragons
- Crocodiles vs Gorillas
- Crocodiles vs Tigers
Conclusion
A fight between an elephant and a crocodile would probably not end well for the crocodile, because the elephant is too big for the croc to handle. Also, crocodiles tend to avoid adult elephants and prefer to hunt baby elephants if the chance presents itself. In general, elephants are larger and stronger than crocodiles, but much more peaceful.
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