Best croc pics of 2021

Words: Amanda Parkinson Producer: Grace McKinnon

From salties lurking among the lily pads to the big boys sunning on river banks, the Northern Territory's crocs delivered no shortage of stunning photo ops in 2021. These are some of the best.

The saltwater croc is the largest living reptile species, growing up to 6m.

Excellent predators, they can stay underwater for up to an hour until dinner swims by.

A classic Territory scene, speedy young salties race along the pub's verandah in the annual Croc Cup. They're also pretty quick. In the race that stops the NT, crocs hold their own version of Melbourne Cup at the Berry Springs Tavern.

The jaws are taped up for punter protection.

Berry Springs Tavern owner Leah Sloan created the world’s only croc races, which raises funds for charity. Cane toad “jockeys” also race on the day.

Saltwater crocs mainly eat fish, but will eat almost anything that they can overpower including humans.

It's estimated there's about 100,000 saltwater crocs in the wild in the NT.

Crocs have a thin layer of guanine crystals behind their retina, allowing them to see better in low light.

Their jaws also generate enormous power when closing, meaning they can quickly crush prey.