Size and power doesn’t always equal victory in the wild, where being small and stealthy can come with its own benefits and hunting strategies. Despite the clear and imposing size of a particularly large crocodile, one monitor lizard decided to try its luck.
Obviously, this lizard was far too small to prey on the crocodile, but the eggs in the crocodile’s nest were the perfect size for a snack, and by being very, very careful, the monitor might be able to steal some for itself.
This encounter between an enormous crocodile and a tiny lizard was caught by Mark Fox while he was in the Kruger National Park. It’s a risky attempt, but the monitor might just pull it off.
David Against Goliath
The beginning of Mark’s footage shows the crocodile as it makes its way across the sandy dune, heading towards its nest. It’s evident from the very beginning that this is a large animal, but the immense difference in size when the monitor gets close is incredible.
Coming so close to the nest while the mother crocodile herself is there is a huge risk, but if the monitor can pull off its raid, the eggs and hatchlings are relatively defenseless, and make for a quick and easy meal.
The crocodile mother was more than aware of the vulnerability of her eggs, however, and if the monitor gave itself away then she would not hesitate to protect her nest ferociously.
Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained
The monitor wouldn’t be much more than a mouthful for a crocodile of this size, but it had speed and camouflage on its side. When it stopped moving it was difficult to make it out against the sand, and when it ran it could cover a lot of ground very quickly.
Its small size was also a benefit as much as a vulnerability, as it was able to slip undetected between the small dunes that offered it the perfect cover. Meter by meter it crept closer to the crocodile, finding the best position to wait until it could strike.
Crocodile mothers guard their nests against predators like this, but they can’t stay on watch forever, and eventually she would need to move, either to hunt for herself, or for some other purpose. As soon as she’d vacated the area, the monitor had the opportunity to close in.
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Empty Nester
The crocodile slid smoothly into the water, as it went in search of prey it could hunt. Eating is a necessity for life, but while doing so it had no choice but to leave the nest undefended. The monitor took full advantage of the opportunity.
It would have been a massacre, but during the brief time that the monitor spent in the crocodile’s nest, it looked as though all the eggs had already hatched.
The lizard wouldn’t be getting quite as much protein from the raid as it had hoped. It was still determined to get some kind of reward for the risk it had taken, and appeared to make an attempt to eat some of the egg shells instead.
With some kind of bounty secured, the monitor lizard had to make sure the crocodile didn’t catch it in the area. Despite the monitor not feasting on the baby crocodiles, it made for a tense and exciting sighting, as it executed its plan.
Woman Adopts Her Perfect Dog, But One Heartbreaking Vet Visit Changes Everything
In the vast sea of dog stories, this particular one had me break into a million pieces! Taylor and Ozzie’s story is real proof of how incredible the bond between dogs and humans can be.
You laugh together, cry together, you share the most intimate secrets and moments, and you just can’t imagine living life without each other anymore! But, what do you do when everything goes wrong? What happens then?
Ozzy’s life story will reveal how truly inspiring the human-dog bond can be, even in what can only be called the worst of times.
Ozzie Was The Perfect Dog
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Taylor adopted Ozzie at just a few weeks of age. She looked on Craigslist for puppies needing to be rehomed and saw a picture of a floppy-eared, brown pup with one blue and one brown eye – and she instantly fell in love!
Ozzie looked like the perfect dog, and the fact that she had to drive from North Carolina all the way to Washington D.C. didn’t stop her! She was inclined to adopt him!
“I was in college, didn’t have that much money, had 3 roommates, was in school full time, played tennis for college full time, and worked part time. How could I fit a puppy into that schedule,” Taylor wrote on Instagram.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The two formed an amazing bond right off the bat! He was just an amazing pup that adapted into the new life in no time. In a way, both Taylor and Ozzie shared the same hobbies and interests.
Both loved hiking, going to the beach, walking in the park, and basically any outdoor activity.
“He is THE adventure guy. He loves to go hiking, to the beach, kayaking, in the snow, to breweries, parks, literally you put him in the car (or on a train, yes, he has been on a train) and he is ready for the adventure,” wrote Taylor.
Every time they had a chance to embark on a new adventure – they took it! Ozzie has always been an adventurous boi, and that really made his new mom fall in love with him even more!
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Years later, Taylor and her partner adopted another dog, Lulu, who became Ozzie’s best friend.
The two formed an incredible bond and really enjoyed each other’s company. Their playtime was practically a zoomie-show, and despite the fact that both were so energetic, they would always end the day with the sweetest snuggling ever!
Several amazing years later, Taylor noticed Ozzie limping, and she immediately rushed him to the vet. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was horrible!
The Devastating Vet Visit
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The vet took Ozzie to do some X-rays, and ten minutes later, he came out with the heartbreaking diagnosis. Ozzie suffered from osteosarcoma – a bone tumor and he only had a couple of months to live.
After receiving the news, Taylor was devastated. She called her husband who immediately left work and came. Luckily, there was one option to extend Ozzie’s life for several extra months – the amputation of his front leg and chemo.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The couple didn’t think twice. They agreed to subject Ozzie to treatment despite all the hardship and extra commitment that awaited.
But, even through his surgery – Ozzie was just the most enthusiastic, happiest boi! He didn’t take the smile off his face even for one bit. He was a real fighter, and so were his parents!
Ozzie got his own, big bag that Taylor and her husband got just for walks. As he didn’t have so much strength (especially after chemo) to hike and walk like he used to, the couple carried him on their back, sometimes even for several miles.
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A post shared by Lulu & forever Ozzie (@livingdogfriendly)
They just couldn’t stand the idea of Ozzie not being able to enjoy his favorite things – and this was the only way to do it. His mom and dad did everything to make his quality of life better, and despite his progressing disease, Ozzie enjoyed every single moment!
The entire family helped Ozzie during his journey. Taylor’s dad, who was also battling cancer and lived in another state, felt the need to support this big boi. He’d send ice cream for Ozzie after every chemo session, which was just the cutest thing ever.
And, Lulu was just the greatest sister ever. Normally, she’s extremely hyper, but once she realized her brother was in pain, she turned into the gentlest sibling ever.
Your Memory Will Be Preserved, Good Boi
Source: @livingdogfriendly
After months of battling with his terminal disease, Ozzie sadly crossed the rainbow bridge. He lost the battle with cancer in March 2023 and went to eternal sleep.
Taylor and her husband were very heartbroken to part ways with Ozzie, but the fact that this beautiful boi had an amazing life till his last breath helped them cope.
“You touched so many lives, more than I had ever imagined a dog could. The love you gave was ever present and you lit up every room you walked into,” Taylor wrote in the touching Instagram post.
Ozzie was a unique dog, and he indeed made his family’s life so beautiful! Taylor and her family have moved to a new home in Virginia, but if I can say one thing with certainty, it’s that his legacy will certainly be remembered by his loved ones… Forever!
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