Looking for Prey
Camouflage helps animals hide from hungry predators. Did you know that it also helps predators hide from their prey? Why would predators need to hide? Sometimes they need help finding—and catching—dinner.
Some predators are awfully slow, and they can’t run as fast as their prey. Camouflage lets them sneak up at their own pace.
Other predators are quick but sneaky. Clever coloring helps them hide from view. They lie in wait, hoping a meal will wander by. Surprise! The predator snaps up its prey.
A Bump on a Log
One predator that uses camouflage is the crocodile. Have you ever noticed the shape of a crocodile’s head or the appearance of its skin? These features help the beast nab its next meal.
A crocodile can stay underwater for hours. It lies perfectly still in a river or lake with only its eyes and nostrils showing above the surface. It looks around and watches for food.
The crocodile’s skin is rough and bumpy. In murky water, it looks a lot like a floating log—except that this log can bite. When an animal comes near, the crocodile leaps forward and snatches its prey.
A crocodile hides as it waits for its prey.