Crocodile Coloring Pages
Welcome to my crocodile coloring pages section.
Crocodile relatives were splashing around in rivers about 230 million years ago, around the time the first dinosaurs appeared, and the crocodile body plan worked so well that it's still going strong. A crocodile's eyes and nostrils sit on top of its head, so it can hide almost completely underwater and still see and breathe.
Jump to: Nests and Babies | Graffiti Crocodile | Species | Mythology | Fun Facts
Crocodile Nests and Babies
Female crocodiles build nests out of vegetation, soil, and sand near water sources. They lay between 20 to 60 eggs, which incubate for about 80 to 90 days. The temperature of the nest determines the sex of the hatchlings. When the babies are ready to hatch, they emit high-pitched noises from inside the eggs, prompting the mother to help uncover and carry them to the water. Baby crocodiles are vulnerable and rely on their mother for protection against predators during their early months of life.
Graffiti Crocodile
This vibrant graffiti-style coloring page features a crocodile, depicted with a mix of realistic and cartoonish elements, making it both fierce and fun. The crocodile is surrounded by bold, abstract patterns creating an energetic and dynamic urban art vibe. The detailed lines and engaging visuals make it an exciting piece for older grade school kids interested in animals and urban art. "crocodile" is written in large, graffiti-style letters, ready to be colored in bright and imaginative hues.
Informational Coloring Pages of Crocodile Species
American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)
Native to the coastal areas of the Americas, including southern Florida, the Caribbean, and parts of Central and South America, the American crocodile is a relatively shy and reclusive species compared to its African and Asian counterparts. It prefers brackish waters and can be found in mangrove swamps, estuaries, and lagoons. The American crocodile is typically lighter in color and has a more V-shaped snout compared to the broader snouts of other species.
Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus johnsoni)
Also known as the "freshie," the freshwater crocodile is native to northern Australia. It prefers freshwater environments, such as rivers, billabongs, and lakes. This species is smaller and less aggressive than the saltwater crocodile, typically growing up to 9 feet in length. Freshwater crocodiles have a narrow, elongated snout, adapted for catching fish and other small aquatic prey.
Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)
The Nile crocodile is one of the largest and most widely recognized species, native to freshwater habitats in Africa, such as rivers, lakes, and marshes. These crocodiles can grow up to 20 feet in length and are known for their powerful jaws and aggressive nature. They play a crucial role in their ecosystems as apex predators, helping to maintain the balance of aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
The saltwater crocodile, also known as the "salty," is the largest living reptile, capable of reaching lengths over 23 feet. Found in coastal regions, estuaries, and rivers across Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and the eastern coast of India, these crocodiles are highly adaptable to both saltwater and freshwater environments. Their size and strength make them formidable predators, preying on a variety of animals, including fish, birds, and mammals.
The Saltwater Crocodile is the most interesting crocodile for kids to learn about. Here’s why:
Record-Breaking Size: The sheer size of the saltwater crocodile is fascinating. As the largest living reptile, they can grow over 23 feet long and weigh more than 2,000 pounds. Kids are often amazed by their gigantic size, making these crocodiles a captivating subject.
Epic Journeys: Saltwater crocodiles are known for their ability to travel long distances across open oceans. Their incredible swimming abilities and the fact that they can be found in various coastal areas and islands make them intriguing and adventurous animals.
Ancient History: These crocodiles have been around since the time of the dinosaurs, surviving for millions of years. Their long evolutionary history adds an exciting dimension to learning about these ancient creatures.
Fascinating Facts: Saltwater crocodiles have many unique features, such as their powerful jaws, exceptional swimming capabilities, and survival strategies. These interesting facts can spark curiosity and a love for learning about wildlife in kids.
Learning about the saltwater crocodile combines elements of size, adventure, history, and unique adaptations, making it an engaging and educational topic for kids.
Coloring Pages of Crocodiles in Mythology
Egyptian Mythology: Sobek
Sobek is one of the most prominent crocodile gods in Egyptian mythology, revered for his fierce and protective nature. Often depicted as a man with the head of a crocodile or as a full crocodile, Sobek was associated with the Nile, fertility, and military prowess. His worship dates back to the Old Kingdom, and he was particularly venerated in the Faiyum region, where crocodiles were abundant. Sobek's temples often housed live crocodiles, considered sacred and embodiments of the god. As a deity, Sobek represented the might and unpredictability of the Nile, which was both a life-giving source of irrigation and a dangerous force of nature.
Egyptian History: King Crocodile
Egypt may once have had a king named Crocodile. About 5,000 years ago, before the pharaohs we usually hear about, black marks scribbled on jars and clay seals at Tarkhan and Abydos looked like a crawling crocodile and a rope sign. Some scholars read them as the name Shendjw, which means "the subduer." Nobody can be sure he was a real king, but some think he ruled as a rival to the famous King Narmer. His name is also linked in scholarly debate to Sobek, the crocodile god.
Egypt's crocodiles amazed later visitors too. Greek travellers were so struck by the sacred crocodiles kept at Sobek's temple city that they named it Crocodilopolis, which means "Crocodile City" and is hilariously difficult to say! One famous crocodile there was fed treats and decorated with jewellery. After Egypt joined the Roman Empire, Augustus had 36 Egyptian crocodiles brought to Rome for a big show in a flooded circus.
African Mythology: Bumba
In the creation myth of the Kuba people from Central Africa, mainly in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bumba is a creator god who vomits up the world and its creatures, including a crocodile. The story of Bumba and his creations is a testament to the rich and complex oral traditions of the African continent.
According to their mythology, the creator god Mbombo (also known as Bumba) vomited the sun, moon, and stars to create light and form the earth. During one of his episodes of vomiting, he brought forth nine animals, one of which was the crocodile known as Ganda Bumba.
Ganda Bumba is significant in the myth as it helped create other reptiles and serpents. This myth highlights the important role of the crocodile in the Kuba people's understanding of the world's creation and the interconnectedness of life.
Hindu Mythology: Makara
Makara is a mythological sea creature in Hindu mythology, often depicted with the body of a fish and the head of a crocodile. It is considered the vahana (vehicle) of the river goddess Ganga and the sea god Varuna. Makara's imagery is rich and varied, symbolizing the deep and mysterious nature of water. It is often portrayed in temple architecture and religious art, embodying the protective and fearsome qualities of crocodiles. In some interpretations, Makara also represents the capricious and unpredictable nature of water bodies, capable of nurturing life and causing destruction.
South American Mythology: Sachamama
In some Amazonian myths, Sachamama is a giant serpent-like creature with crocodile-like features, considered a guardian of the forest and waters. Sachamama, whose name means "Mother of the Forest," embodies the ancient and primal forces of nature. As a guardian, she is both a protector and a potential threat, ensuring the balance of the natural world. Her crocodile-like attributes highlight the danger and respect commanded by these powerful creatures. Sachamama's presence in mythology underscores the deep spiritual connection that Amazonian cultures have with their environment, recognizing the crocodile's role as a vital and awe-inspiring part of the ecosystem.
Aboriginal Australian Cave Art
I'm not comfortable drawing the actual aboriginal-style artwork as that's strictly controlled by the aboriginal people so I did a more generic graffiti-decorative style image to share with the kids if you choose to educate them about the cave-art crocodiles that ancient people in Australia drew. This image doesn't look like the actual indigenous artwork but children can color it in earthy tones while they imagine cave art drawing which was done by many ancient people around the world -- often depicting important animals in each region.
The Wandjina are ancestral spirits and creators in the mythology of the Indigenous peoples of the Kimberley region in Australia.
A few depictions of Wandjina include crocodile-like features, emphasizing their connection to water and the natural world. Crocodiles, as apex predators, embody the raw power and sacredness of the land and waters that the Wandjina spirits oversee.
Fun Facts About Crocodiles
Here are five fun facts about crocodiles that kids may enjoy:
Crocodiles are very fast swimmers. They can swim up to about 18 miles per hour in short bursts!
- Crocodiles are very fast swimmers. They can swim up to about 18 miles per hour in short bursts!
- Crocodiles are often found with their mouths open. This isn't because they're angry or hungry. It's a way for them to cool off. Crocodiles don't have sweat glands, so opening wide lets heat escape from the damp lining of their mouths.
- Baby crocodiles make sounds even before they hatch from their eggs. They communicate with each other using a variety of chirps and calls.
- Crocodiles have incredibly strong jaws. The saltwater crocodile has the strongest bite ever measured in a living animal, strong enough to crush bones.
- Crocodiles have a flap at the back of their throat that shuts underwater, so they can open their mouths to grab food without swallowing water. Some crocodiles can also stay underwater for up to an hour without coming up for air.
