Occasionally, the phrase ‘just because you can, you should NOT’ accurately describes some moments, particularly on the internet, where strange content tends to become viral. An online video posted recently had people both stunned and shaken as it featured a man, ostensibly trained, hand-feeding a huge crocodile much as one feeds a pet. While the enormous size of the reptile was sufficient to make viewers gasp, what most worried them was the lack of any safety measures.
The stunt, while amazing to some degree, caused genuine concern as the man boldly came into direct contact with the deadly animal. The crocodile peacefully withdrew into the dark waters after it had consumed its meal, which could imply that it had been trained. Times Now, however, could not confirm the authenticity or where the video was shot.
The video was posted on X (previously Twitter) by the account ‘AMAZlNGNATURE’ and instantly went viral, recording 540K views in a matter of minutes.
Take a look:
The internet, as is usual, had a polarized reaction—while some declared the man ‘too brave,’ others described the act as ‘foolishness.’ Most were worried about his safety, while some were left downright frightened. The post also led to a string of funny remarks and memes.
One user remarked, “Those are some absolutely prehistoric creatures.” Another shared a personal experience, saying, “I had one chase me while living in Charleston, South Carolina—it ate my bike! ” A third user provided insights about the reptile, stating, “The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is a large reptile native to the Americas, found in coastal areas from Florida to South America.
They can reach lengths of 20 feet and are less violent than their Nile or saltwater relatives, but still deadly.
Another individual captured the overall attitude by stating, “Feeding a giant American crocodile by hand is a gamble with nature’s raw power.” In the meantime, a curious user asked, “Americas have caiman and alligators, what’s an American crocodile?”