Incredible video shows shark feasting on crocodile in Australia
A wild video captured along an Australian coastline last week shows a hungry shark feasting on a sizeable crocodile.
Alice Bedwell told newswire Storyful that she was at Town Beach, located in Nhulunbuy, on December 13 when she recorded the dramatic encounter.
The beginning of the footage shows a medium-sized crocodile with an impressive tail lying belly-up in the surf. Waves lap its head, which rests in the water, as its two front feet remain turned toward the sky.
To its immediate right, a large shark slowly swims up to the reptile, almost as if sneaking up on it à la "Jaws." In an instant, the predator snaps up the croc's head.
Thrashing ensues, with the shark apparently chowing down on the crocodile in the process. Eventually, both disappear beneath the surface.
Crocs versus sharks
According to American Oceans, sharks and crocodiles are both apex predators that can and do end up in some shared environments such as coastal waters and may end up in conflict when competing for territory or resources.
Scavenging from the same carcass, for example, can result in a fight. However, both predators tend to have different hunting techniques, prey preferences and habitats, meaning it's not exactly common to witness a throwdown between the two.
However, sharks are generally opportunistic feeders regardless of species, meaning a large, already subdued meal like the dead croc in Bedwell's video was likely just too good a chance for the aquatic creature to pass up.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.