Many take place in small communities and are not widely reported. This means they will hunt more when it’s warmer. Hundreds are likely, though the hippo – also a river creature of course – is regarded by some as more dangerous. Only 6 of the 23 crocodilian species are considered dangerous to adult humans, and only individuals 2 metres (6.6 ft) in length or more represent a serious danger to humans, as smaller crocodiles are considered incapable of killing humans. Some suspect crocodiles attack when it’s warmer because they are cold-blooded creatures, meaning they depend on the sun’s heat for energy and are more active during those months. They never really make headlines unless they attack, and those stories are enough to keep you far, far away. They are far more common than shark attacks and yet do not receive as much media coverage. originally appeared on Quora: the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world. Even close calls are widely reported on, for example the surfer-punching shark video has gone viral this week. They are most prevalent between October and March and often occur during rainfall, temperature increases, and the breeding season. Simon Pooley of Imperial College London, who studies the history and challenges of crocodile conservation efforts, has looked at the patterns surrounding 65 years of crocodile attacks in Southern Africa to discover when they are most likely to occur and who is at the greatest risk. Furthermore, if you do need to cross the water in a big group, it is not wise to splash around in the water or create lots of noise. Why crocodiles attack human being A new study reveals where and when crocodiles attack people, and advice on how to prevent it. "It seemed strange that we weren't using this kind of historical data to try and save human and crocodile lives in these large areas of the world where attacks take place," he says. The Tiny Clues That Revealed The Big Secrets of The La Brea Tar Pits [VIDEO]. They often occur during rainfall, temperature increases and the breeding season. Many people depend on rivers for their livelihood and so avoiding the water is not always an option. Crocodiles do not necessarily set out to hunt humans. Crocodiles on the other hand are a different story and will attack whatever they see … These stories are enough to put you off ever coming close to where they live. This is terrible advice, Pooley says. His goal was to take the data and make it accessible. Attacks are often seasonal. In other instances crocodiles are killed in an attempt to find remains of missing children in their stomachs. If conflict exceeds the tolerance of those affected, wildlife becomes a pest and efforts will be made to eradicate it. They are most prevalent between October and March. Every attack Pooley studied occurred when … For humans that don’t know what to look for, it can make it easy to entirely overlook a heard of hippos just below the water’s surface. Worldwide, crocodiles are estimated to … "According to our beliefs, if a crocodile bites someone then it means we have committed a grave sin," she added. Helping locals to stay safer would better deter potential eradication demands, says Pooley. Their formidable jaws can snap our bones like twigs. Read about our approach to external linking. Not all species attack humans. In reality, in 2014 there were only three fatal attacks of the 72 unprovoked shark attacks recorded worldwide. "Science is a way of thinking." Revenge attacks are a common thing. While it’s a little too optimistic to think crocodiles and humans can coexist completely peacefully, known how to avoid an attack is an important step in preventing tragedy on both sides. Of course, if you do get grabbed by a crocodile there's not much to be done. These are but some of the issues facing crocodiles. Shark attacks tend to be more frequent in richer countries, says Simon Pooley of Imperial College London, UK, who studies the history and challenges of crocodile conservation efforts. Men were attacked while fishing and women were attacked while doing domestic chores. At the same time, the crocodiles that attack humans are also in need of protecting. Sometimes conservation authorities will try to prevent these by shooting a "killer croc" themselves. Stare into the jaws of a crocodile and it might be the last thing you will like to see. There’s no question that crocodiles get a bad reputation. Queensland scientists used underwater technology to track about 130 Crocodylus porosus crocs, in the Wenlock River and the Ducie River in the state's far north over a three-year period. But experts do not recommend befriending crocodiles. Why do we dive with sharks but not crocodiles? Every attack Pooley studied occurred when the minimum temperature was higher than usual.