![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCAIaSSxhWmULQpfQLHsh83eptgY5RYKIkGKQHOY2bukIvs5PRjB0t0gKRE4oDtk_P6bNYqirfVbtCZaycnlrl3GBHbAk96DT40tRyTiDUNvpmFnljLeGAB3qXmHnLdn6fTdQ46cRji29/s400/Late+Cretaceous+Red+Car+Property+2010-04-01_1.jpg)
Giant crocodiles (Deinosuchus) ruled the Red Car Property in the Late Cretaceous, 70 - 80 million years ago. The 30 - 40 foot long crocs hunted prey as large as themselves, including relatives of T.Rex. The Red Car Property was a swamp on the banks of the then mile-wide LA River.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWhSZ7m7iNfvjFhnOfz0FqGFRxrMfi2cyUKJD4xIYy-wXNacTIT9QEmn2WltxV0E0h0mRSZ5Zp0rHjiUoGgowiWu64PBM9cAFbPtFkVvhDBHZ0FIvMVhpWRr_pqP7BP0sNKr3ZOvUpQEj/s400/Late+Cretaceous+Red+Car+Property+2010-04-01_2.jpg)
The supersized crocs, like their present-day relatives, were opportunistic feeders, preying on dinosaurs trapped in the mud of Red Car Canyon Swamp, now the site of Red Car Canyon Lake.
Recent footprints indicate smaller relatives of Deinosuchus still prowl the banks of Red Car Canyon Lake. Be careful after dark and keep your dogs on a leash!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxFSTHrNVMBvu8CtlKvAIcZ4tQ4YAA_0nyVSiS8skXDahVTjZHvxWP9oimSQkM1g5Kb-akKjEFiHrk3fgqtTdlO0Kb_qfISk8qCw4ajFbNjxHT1UNpeEn_vEub-QO5OieHtJ0lVnot7ey/s400/Tracks+Red+Car+Canyon+Lake+2010-03-31.jpg)
Disclaimer: This post should not be used as proof of anything more than April Foolishness. However, the footprints are real, most likely made by a raccoon; giant crocodiles roamed North America in the Late Cretaceous, read about them on National Geographic.