Wild footage captured the moment a crocodile was surrounded by several sharks as the beasts competed for food on a beach.
The video, which was uploaded to TikTok by local fisherman Vincent Bates, showed the creatures swimming in the water off the beach in North Queensland.
A large crocodile was seen surrounded by sharks as the reptile waited to capture its prey near the shore.
The sharks, which were also hunting for food, swam within a few metres of the crocodile in an attempt to ward off the predator.
One of the sharks violently lashed its tail in the shallow water, but the movement failed to deter the crocodile from leaving or fighting back.
A few moments later the sharks moved away.
The clip also showed several sharks approaching the crocodile from behind as another crocodile also approached the shore.
Mr Bates filmed the intense moment as he stood just metres away from the scene.
Local fisherman Vincent Bates recently captured the wild clash between the creatures on a North Queensland beach (pictured)
“Crocodiles and sharks fight for territory,” he captioned the clip.
Social media users were quick to express their shock at the incredible showdown between the creatures.
“The battle was crazy,” wrote one.
“Now that’s scary,” added another.
Others said they would avoid entering waters infested with crocodiles and sharks.
“Definitely not swimmable,” wrote one.
“Pools for me,” wrote another.
Some suggested the creatures may have come closer to shore because they were unable to forage elsewhere in the ocean.
“The problem is overfishing in deeper waters by large boats, as sharks only come to look for food on shallow beaches,” wrote one.
Human Society International marine biologist Laura Sandeman said overfishing may not have been the cause.
“This certainly appears to be a case of predators looking for an opportunity to get a quick meal with a fishing boat in the water,” he said. Yahoo.
Crocodiles often hunt for food closer to the water’s edge.
The creatures skillfully disguise themselves in the water and can wait up to an hour before pouncing on their prey.
Visitors to beaches and areas designated as crocodile zones are urged to stay at least five metres away from the water’s edge to protect themselves.
