Load of Croc: Picture Captures Giant Crocodile Leaping By Tourist Boat

Somewhere, the crocodile hunter is smiling.

A boat full of tourists got to snap the picture of lifetime while floating down Australia's Adalaide river last week. That's because a giant saltwater crocodile leaped out of the water right next to the boat:

The picture was taken by photographer Katrina Bridgeford. According to the Telegraph, the 5.5m croc has a name, Brutus:

Ms Bridgeford was on the cruise with sons Jordan, 14, and Dylan Woodward, 11 as well as four-year-old niece Skye Bridgeford and boyfriend Daniel Wilson. Dylan had only two words when the massive man-eater rose out of the water in front of the group: "Holy crap!" The huge saltwater crocodile, which is missing its right front leg, is a favourite with tourists on the Adelaide River Cruises, because he loves his meal of buffalo meat and always puts on a good show for it.

Saltwater crocodiles are the largest living reptiles in the world. Males can grow to between 6-7 meters and weigh 1,000-2,000 pounds.

UPDATE:

For those doubting the picture's authenticity, Australian news outlet NT News sent the photo to a photoshop expert who said the data shows it's real:

"I couldn't believe some of the sceptics rantings on the web after checking out the comments. For what its worth, I ripped down the original and checked it out and guess what? Those [I know photoshop experts] as per usual [know] absolutely nothing at all apart from having an amazing ability to make dumb statements.

"The Meta data still exists on the image and its all there including time date compact camera details and exposure all are spot on, the croc is wet, he has water sheen on his right flank in the shadow detail. Everyone is looking straight at him including the two with cameras. And last but best of all, look very carefully at the guy in the red shirt with the mobile phone camera, then look again at his sunglasses...yep the croc is reflected in one of the lenses...and not a pixel out of place."

Others agree, too.

And here's your chance to go on a video tour with the Jumping Croc Cruise crew: