Reptiles | 60 Minutes Full Episodes

Saltwater Crocodiles in Australia00:11

Australia is infamous for its deadly wildlife, but saltwater crocodiles stand out as apex predators. They can grow to more than 20 feet, weigh over a ton, and possess a bite force strong enough to crush a human skull. Known locally as "salties," these crocodiles live across northern Australia and are protected by law, leading to a surge in their population that creates friction with humans.

Darwin and Crocodile Encounters00:55

In Darwin, most people avoid swimming due to surrounding crocodile habitat and the territorial nature of salties. Crocodiles sometimes appear in residential backyards, prompting government rangers like Tom Nichols and his team to remove problem crocodiles using cages baited with wild boar meat. Capturing them is relatively easy, but safely extracting an angry crocodile from a floating trap requires skill.

The Death Roll and Ranger's Experience02:00

A six-foot crocodile can drown a human by taking them underwater and performing the "death roll" - spinning to dismember prey. Nichols lost half of his left hand over 20 years ago when a crocodile spun during an encounter at the same location. Despite having only three fingers on his left hand, Nichols continues his work, joking that the only limitation is picking his nose with his left hand.

Conservation History and Population Recovery03:00

By the 1970s, saltwater crocodiles were nearly extinct with only a few thousand remaining. Australian officials banned nearly all crocodile hunting, allowing the population to recover to over 150,000. While some view this as a conservation success story, others see it as a menace. Saltwater crocodiles are the largest reptiles on the planet and, according to some scientists, the world's most aggressive.