According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, or IUCN, some crocodilian species -- such as the Australian freshwater crocodile -- are able to gallop on dry land. Galloping allows crocodiles to leap over obstacles, including logs and rocks. When running, crocodiles propel themselves with their hind legs, which constantly push forward. The crocodile's front legs steer its movements. Crocodile tails wave side to side when they crawl on their bellies. However, the tails of crocodiles bounce up and down when these reptiles run.
Other crocodilian species use the belly method of running. Rather than elevating their bodies off the ground for galloping, belly-running crocodiles slither across the ground in a snake-like fashion. Belly runners wave their tails from side to side, just like when they are swimming in water. Also, all four limbs of these crocodiles move in a paddling motion to propel the crocodile forward. Belly runners are slower than galloping crocodiles since their recorded top speed is approximately 7 miles per hour on flat land. These crocodiles are able to move faster, though, if they are sliding downhill.
Crocodiles are only able to run quickly in short spurts. The most distance a crocodile covers at top speed is less than 300 feet. Also, crocodiles prefer attacking their prey by surprising them, rather than chasing them down. A myth for escaping crocodiles and their relatives, alligators, is that you should run in zig-zag lines. The University of Florida recommends people run quickly in a straight line away from crocodiles and alligators. You should also stay far away from their nests. Crocodiles are more likely to chase humans if they feel their nests are in danger. Otherwise, these reptiles usually run away from humans.
Only a handful of crocodile species are able to run in a galloping fashion. The Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) is the largest of these types of crocodiles, measuring 10 to 11 feet. These crocodiles are native to Cuba, as their name implies, and lack of webbing on their feet enables them to be more agile on land. Other galloping species are the Australian freshwater (Crocodylus johnstoni), African dwarf (Osteolaemus tetraspis) and New Guinea crocodiles (Crocodylus novaeguineae). Some Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) are able to gallop, but this usually applies to the smallest specimens.