Crocodile comes within inches of underwater photographer, Mike Korostelev. Credi: Solent News
A deadly crocodile comes face-to-face with a courageous photographer, who manages to take a set of jaw-dropping pictures of the teeth-baring reptile. The 3-meter-long American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) crawls on the sea bed at the atoll reef of Banco Chinchorro off the southeast coast of Mexico, before circling brave Russian snapper Mike Korostelev.
Photographer’s view
“It was not an accidental meeting, the main purpose of my trip was to capture an American crocodile in its natural environment,” saysKorostelev
Close encounter
The audacious Russian photographer showed no fear when confronted by the formidable wild creature. “I met this crocodile underwater face-to-face,” he said. “When it swam close to me, the only thought I had was about how great it was that I could take great pictures. It nuzzled into the camera several times and sometimes it touched me with its tail.”
About the crocodile
Quick facts: Up to 70 years lifespan; up to 2,000 lbs in weight; up to 15 ft (4.6 m) in size.
Habitat: Most are found in southern Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
First for U.S. In August, Alejandro Jimenez & Lisset Rendon became first people in the U.S. to be bitten by an American crocodile.
