Surviving the River: How Wildebeest Defend Themselves Against Crocodile Attacks Wildebeest, known for their strong herd instincts and swift movements, have developed several strategies to defend themselves against predators like crocodiles, particularly during river crossings. When faced with the threat of a crocodile, a wildebeest will often rely on the safety of the group, as the herd provides protection through numbers. Individually, wildebeest may attempt to escape by darting away quickly or