A Cuban crocodile has been filmed running at a man in an enclosure at a Florida park.
In a video posted to Facebook by theme park and wildlife preserve Gatorland, the crocodile—named Chainsaw—can be seen running rapidly around his enclosure in the Orlando-based park.
A man, who is also in the enclosure, can then be seen running away from the crocodile.
"As a Floridian, this might be the most terrifying thing I've ever seen," one Facebook user said in the comments.
Chainsaw is a Cuban crocodile, a subspecies that typically grows up to 10 feet long. Despite their short legs, crocodiles can run of speeds between 15 to 22 mph.
Humans generally can run between 10 and 15 mph. However on land, crocodiles rarely run for more than a few seconds.
Even though they are able to cover up to 100 feet when they run, they tire out easily and do not hunt this way.
1.1M views, 4.2K likes, 866 loves, 1.2K comments, 10K shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Gatorland Orlando: CHAINSAW IN ACTION Our Amazing Cuban Crocodile‼️ #gatorland
In the wild, crocodiles hunt by stalking their prey from the water. While mostly submerged in the water, crocodiles will wait for a time where the prey is least suspecting and then lunge. It traps the prey in its jaws and drags it into the water.
Crocodiles will only run if they feel threatened in some way. Usually while on land, they will adopt a slow, low belly crawl.
The video posted by Gatorland has been viewed 1.1 million times. It has received 1,200 comments and has been liked 7,400 times.
Many social media users were surprised at the speed in which Chainsaw can be seen running. A lot of people said they did not know reptiles could run so quickly.
"I didn't know Gators could run that fast! Wow!" one Facebook user said in the comments.
"Gators ambush predators and have the ability to move really fast but only for short amount of time. So don't expect them to stalk you for very long or at least on land. They conserve energy first and foremost," another Facebook user said.
"I didn't know they could run n hop like that! That's crazy but amazingly majestic!" another wrote.
One Facebook user said the man in the video "better have [his] run in shoes on."
"One day when he least expects it, Gator will catch up!" another person wrote.
According to one Facebook user, Cuban crocodiles are "famous for it."
"Their ancestors wear land based running crocs with much longer legs so awesome," they said.
Newsweek has contacted Gatorland for a comment.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Robyn White is a Newsweek Nature Reporter based in London, UK. Her focus is reporting on wildlife, science and the ... Read more
