Did Medieval Castle Moats Have Crocodiles?

original illustration by Andy McNally

I have always loved medieval literature and stories. One common idea that is present in many of these tales, at least the fantasy ones, is that crocodiles live in the moats around castles, but is it really true?

I decided to create an illustration/sketchnote about what I discovered.

original illustration/sketchnote by Andy McNally

While it makes a lovely image of danger guarding the castle, it turns out that it is not that practical of an idea.

Sadly, it would be difficult for the creatures to survive in this environment.

original illustration by Andy McNally

While such creatures would provide an extra line of defense, these stories are just myths, as it would be nearly impossible for such animals to survive in a moat. Moats often did contain eels and fish, however. — wonderopolis.org

Bear Moat

There was, however, a castle that had a “bear moat.”