Killer Gators and Crocs: Gruesome Encounters From Across The Globe

by Michael Garlock

Crocodilian attacks, how to avoid them, and why they really occur.

Genres: Nonfiction

232 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2006

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to say, my 2 star rating is on how much I personally enjoyed the book. Not the quality of the books content. If I were a person that knew very little about crocodilians, I would have probably given it 4 or 5 stars. The title is a little misleading. Only about a quarter of the book actually covers attacks. The rest is general info, commercialization, conservation, etc..... I already have extensive knowledge of most reptiles and was reading a lot of stuff I already knew. I was expecting a book that focused primarily on attacks. This book doesn't. It does give you attack stories. But most are very short descriptions of the incidents. So... If you are looking to learn about crocodilians and a little about some attacks, you will probably enjoy this book more than I did. If you already know a lot and are looking for more detailed accounts of actual attacks and attack related info, you may find this book disappointing as I did. The title says "Gruesome encounters from across the globe"... Well from the brief coverage of the attacks, I have to disagree. I was expecting a little more attack related info.

[Beka · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this book is filled with lots of information about various crocodilians, it isn't quite what it says it is. Most of the book is filled with information about ranges, diets, conservation, and extinction. When the author does discuss attacks from crocodilians, it is usually done in a short paragraph or two and recounts several quite quickly. They are not detailed accounts, mostly just straightforward presentations of what happened. No problem with the majority of the information given, just that the book seems to present itself as being about stories of attacks when really it's just information about these incredible creatures. The information given does include attacks, but I would say that accounts for 10% or less of the book.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit of a slow read, lots of facts and many clear accounts of encounters across the globle. Loved it!

[Jake Causey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a book that is both conservation minded and chock-full of nightmarish accounts of animal encounters gone awry, this is the book for you. I picked up this book several years ago at Wakulla Springs State Park in Northwest Florida after an alligator decided to enter the swimming area while I and a couple dozen other people were taking advantage of the beautiful weather by splashing, diving, and swimming to our hearts' content. That may have had an effect on the level of enjoyment I received from this book. Garlock's recount of each story is captivating, heartbreaking, and humorous when appropriate. It's a great read for those times when you're hanging your feet over the end of the dock.

[Brianna Russell-Medina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this four stars because I liked the information in this book, but it's definitely misleading. It does have crocodile attacks, but this book has a lot more than just that, so I was a little let down when I first opened it. It also focuses mainly on the American Alligator before it starts covering specific geographic areas and species, so that was also a little annoying. As for the structure of the book, he kinda jumps back and forth between things seemingly at random at times.
That being said, if you want to learn and you like crocodilians, it does have a LOT of information, especially on various species, so happy reading!