Crocodile and Alligator Dream Meaning and Interpretation

Though crocodiles and alligators are not the same things, they can often be used interchangeably in dream interpretation. This is because they have so many similarities that they typically represent the same feelings or emotions and have similar symbolism. If you want to uncover what your crocodile or alligator dreams mean, you’re in the right place.

What Does the Symbolism of Crocodiles and Alligators Mean?

Alligators and crocodiles are different animals, but they have a lot in common with each other, which is why they are often used interchangeably in dream scenarios. In fact, you may not even be aware of whether it was a crocodile or an alligator in your dream, as many people are unable to tell the difference.

The key difference in terms of how they look is their snout. Alligators have a rounded and broader snout, while a crocodile snout will come to a more pronounced point. This actually makes the alligator more dangerous if you are a prey animal, because the U-shaped jaw gives it more strength in its mouth for attacking. When it comes to the symbolism of these animals, what they stand for in your dream can be affected by your previous encounters or views on them. If you play for a sports team that has a gator as a mascot, then you may be more likely to have positive associations with the animal, for example.

Danger

To many people, crocodiles and alligators are creatures to be feared. They have a vicious look about them, with their huge snapping jaws and rows of terrifyingly sharp teeth. These are predatory animals who are not fussy about their prey and will happily attack humans given half the chance. Many scientists believe that crocodiles and alligators pose more of a dangerous threat to humans than if the tyrannosaurus rex were alive today. It is no surprise, then, which these animals symbolize danger for many people, and can therefore be used to scare and frighten people.

Adventure

Crocodiles and alligators are commonly found in swamps and areas of the world that are not highly populated. It would be very unusual to see a crocodile walking through the center of a city! Instead, they inhabit wetlands, close to rivers or lakes. For many people, surviving in these types of areas presents an adventurous challenge. If you fancy yourself as a modern-day Crocodile Dundee, then these animals could symbolize adventure and thrill to you.

Deception

Crocodiles and alligators are believed to be deceptive and cunning creatures. This is where the term ‘crocodile tears’ comes from, which is a way of saying a person is feigning hurt or upset in order to manipulate somebody. Crocodiles and alligators are not seen as being trustworthy, and therefore they can symbolize deception. When this translates to dreams, it often means you are dealing with a deceptive person, or you are not being true to your own feelings.

Crocodile and Alligator Dream Interpretations

Dreams About an Alligator or Crocodile Attacking

If an alligator or crocodile attacked you in your dream, then this could mean one of two things; it may indicate that you are not in good health. If you haven’t been feeling yourself lately, it could be time to see a doctor and get things checked out. This dream could alternatively mean that you are feeling threatened and challenged in your waking life. If the animal in your dream was attacking a stranger, then this is illustrative of how you are feeling overprotective towards someone in your life. You may be feeling on edge worrying about this person, or it might be taking over your thoughts to the point that it is interfering with your life.

If the crocodile or alligator was attacking somebody you know, then this points towards there being a person in your life who needs help. The attack is symbolic of you witnessing a loved one in a struggle, and they may or may not be strong enough to ask for help in real life. Check in on the people in your life, especially anyone who you would describe as vulnerable, and see if you can support them,

Dreams About Crocodiles or Alligators Fighting

This is a dream that represents a conflict between two strong and stubborn individuals. The two animals fighting may not be symbolic of you, and you may simply be a witness to two people coming head to head in your life. If this is the case, be warned that you should not get involved, in the same way, that you would not get involved if you saw two crocodiles fighting in real life. The best way to stay unharmed is to keep your distance from the conflict, even if it involves somebody you love. Alternatively, one of the creatures in your dream may represent you. It may be that you are in a battle with a boss or colleague, or maybe a partner or friend.

The fact that the two animals fighting are evenly matched is warning you that this will not be an easy fight, and neither of you is likely to come off well as a result. Both competitors are stubborn and fearless. Be careful of any upcoming conflicts you get into as the results might not be what you expect. A fight like this could be hard to recover from.

Dreams About Being Chased by a Crocodile or Alligator

Being chased by a crocodile or alligator in your dream might initially seem quite distressing, but actually, this is one of the more positive dreams to have involving these animals. Being chased by an alligator or crocodile usually points to a bright future in that you are going to learn some important things about your true self. Whether the creature catches you or not is also an important factor. If it does catch you, this signifies that you are on the brink of stepping outside of your comfort zone, and it will be a difficult but rewarding time.

Dreams About Crocodiles or Alligators in Water

The way the crocodiles or alligators seem in terms of temperament in this dream is important. If they are happily gliding in the water, then this illustrates that you feel content in your waking life. Everything has recently fallen into place, and you feel that things are how they should be. Take a moment to enjoy this feeling, and bask in your happiness. If the creatures in this dream appear nervous, or like they are hiding in the water with their eyes flicking around, then this indicates that you have a hidden desire that you are keeping from the world, and maybe even yourself.

It may be that you want more from your career or more from a partner, or maybe you have romantic feelings about a friend that you are scared of expressing. Whatever it is, this dream is here to help you face your feelings and do something about it.

Dreams About Crocodiles or Alligators on the Ground

While alligators and crocodiles in the water represent happiness and contentment, these same creatures on the ground symbolize the opposite. If you dream about alligators or crocodiles walking or standing on the ground, then this illustrates you don’t feel comfortable with where your life is heading. You have been feeling down and unsure how or if you can change your circumstances.

These dreams are often a way of showing you that you have been focusing on the wrong things in life and getting caught in the minor details that aren’t as important as your health and those who you love. To act on this dream, try to appreciate what you have instead of becoming obsessed with what you don’t have. Practicing mindfulness and gratefulness may help you to eradicate feelings of discontentment.

Dreams About Dead Crocodiles or Alligators

You might assume that dreaming of dead animals is a bad omen, but actually, in this case, it is a positive sign. Crocodiles and alligators are often symbols of negativity, so the fact that this creature in your dream died means that the bad times are over, and you can start to move on. The animal might be symbolic of a specific person in your life who is no longer going to be around, such as a nasty neighbor who is moving away, or a tough boss you clashed with who has transferred elsewhere. Whatever it may be, rest assured that this dream is a signal for you to move past the pain and prepare yourself for better times ahead.

Dreams About Baby Crocodiles or Baby Alligators

Baby crocodiles and alligators can be symbolic of various things, and this will depend on the context of the dream. If you are battling against a baby crocodile or alligator in your dream, then this symbolizes that you are facing challenges that you can overcome. They may be more complex than you first thought, but with some time and effort, you will be able to succeed against this particular problem.

If the baby crocodiles and alligators need caring for, then this is illustrative of your need to look after other people. The baby creatures might represent your older children, who, though they are not completely dependent on you, you still feel protective over them. It can also indicate your desire to protect a loved one.

Dreams About a Talking Crocodile or Alligator

A talking alligator or crocodile is symbolic of deceit or bad-mouthing. This dream could be a warning that somebody is gossiping about you behind your back. Maybe they are spreading rumors in an attempt to ruin your reputation, or maybe they are simply cruel. Alternatively, this dream might be a warning to you about how you treat other people. If you have been saying mean things about other people behind their back, you should think twice about it and consider the consequences.

Talking crocodiles or alligators can also mean that somebody in your waking life is lying to you or trying to manipulate you in some way. Be cautious about who you trust and who you let into your life.

Dreams About Large Numbers of Crocodiles or Alligators

Multiple crocodiles or alligators in your dreams can represent that you feel you are being attacked from every angle. You might be going through a difficult time, having struggles at work, and also having disputes with friends or family members, and maybe your car has just broken down, and you’ve ironed a hole in your best shirt. When you feel like nothing can go right in your life at the moment, a dream about a group of crocodiles or alligators can be quite common. Ancient dream dictionaries suggest that multiple numbers of alligators or crocodiles are connected to bad influences, so take care to choose your friends wisely.

Dreams About a Crocodile or Alligators Tail

If you see a swiping crocodile or alligator’s tail in your dream, then this is a warning that somebody is coming for you. These reptiles attack their prey by first knocking them out with a single swipe of their tail, so this dream signifies that someone in your life wants to take you out. Be careful who you deal with and be ready to face verbal assaults from a hostile person in your life.

Dreams About Killing a Crocodile or Alligator

Killing an alligator or crocodile in your dream might be quite unpleasant or even gruesome, but it signifies that you are taking control of your life and making the best decisions for your future. This dream serves to remind you to have trust in your own power and be confident about your choices.

Dreams About Crocodiles or Alligators in Cages

Any types of cages in dreams usually point to feelings of being stuck or trapped. To understand this dream, you’ll need to figure out what the crocodile or alligator represents to you. If they are symbolic of danger, it may be a dream to indicate that the danger is safely being kept away from you, and you are free to move on without fear. If the crocodile or alligator is representative of a deceitful person in your life, then the cage could be showing you that this person cannot hurt you, and you are protected.

Dreams About Two Crocodiles or Alligators

Seeing a pair of alligators or crocodiles in your dream usually points to one of two different meanings, and the way the reptiles make you feel in this dream should help you understand how to interpret it. The first possible meaning of the dream is that there are two people conspiring against you, maybe they are deceiving you about something, or maybe they are being unkind. Alternatively, if the pair of crocodiles or alligators in your dream is not behaving suspiciously, then this is symbolic of a deep relationship you have with someone in your life. This might be a partner or best friend, but the crocodiles or alligators are a symbol of your unbreakable bond.

Dreams About Taming a Crocodile or Alligator

This dream points to your ability to make the best out of a bad situation and get the best out of the people around you. This dream might give you the confidence to take an opportunity you were unsure of, as it is an omen that you will have success in your future.

Conclusion

Dreaming about these dangerous creatures might be scary or worrying, but remember that often they point out ways you can help yourself in your waking life. Learning to understand your crocodile or alligator dreams is the best way to prevent them from recurring and making peace with yourself.