A viral video has netizens stumped.
The short video, which has already attracted over 9 million views on Twitter, shows what appears to be an alligator resting beside a steep rock embankment.
Two aspects of the footage have caused confusion – the fact the giant reptile is so well camoflaged with the surrounding rock, leading some to believe it could be a fossil, and the inability to gain some perspective of the animal’s size. Pre-historic alligators were much larger than their modern-day cousins – reaching up to 12 metres in length and weighing up to 8 tonnes. Today’s specimens come in at a paltry 3.5 metres and weigh about half a tonne.
‘Perception is crazy here. Could be just an actual gator under clear water lmao.’
‘A real gator. In a small creek filmed to look like a large canyon.’
Strange rock formation or prehistoric gator? pic.twitter.com/x9Vf2dC9Hy
— Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) December 30, 2022
Somewhere in East Africa. 🤍🤍🤍🤍 pic.twitter.com/l3xFbXnzzs
— Dedan Chacha Wangwe (@DedanWangwe) December 30, 2022
Prehistoric people? 🙄🤡 pic.twitter.com/aPYp1AKPYa
— Perro flaco 🕊 (@Perroflaco0) December 30, 2022
…it’s actually a Croc…! see the spotted markings and arrangement of the teeth!