Why are these gray African crocodiles turning orange?

By Chris Giles, CNN

Updated 0926 GMT (1726 HKT) March 2, 2018

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These orange cave-dwelling crocodiles, which can be found in the Abanda caves in a remote region in Gabon, could be mutating into a new species. They were first discovered in 2009.
Photos: Why are these African crocodiles orange?
Orange crocodiles – These orange cave-dwelling crocodiles, which can be found in the Abanda caves in a remote region in Gabon, could be mutating into a new species. They were first discovered in 2009.
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It remains a mystery why the crocodiles are orange, but scientists best guess is that acidic bleaching from bat feces could be the cause.
Photos: Why are these African crocodiles orange?
Orange crocodiles – It remains a mystery why the crocodiles are orange, but scientists best guess is that acidic bleaching from bat feces could be the cause.
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Tasty? The orange crocodiles think so. Their diet mainly consists of bats and crickets, different to forest crocodiles.
Photos: Why are these African crocodiles orange?
Bats – Tasty? The orange crocodiles think so. Their diet mainly consists of bats and crickets, different to forest crocodiles.
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The chest of the crocodile. Most African dwarf crocodiles are a grayish color.
Photos: Why are these African crocodiles orange?
Orange crocodiles – The chest of the crocodile. Most African dwarf crocodiles are a grayish color.
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The orange crocodiles were some of largest dwarf crocodiles expert Matt Shirley had ever found, at 1.7 meters.
Photos: Why are these African crocodiles orange?
Orange crocodiles – The orange crocodiles were some of largest dwarf crocodiles expert Matt Shirley had ever found, at 1.7 meters.
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A juvenile crocodile being documented.
Photos: Why are these African crocodiles orange?
Orange crocodiles – A juvenile crocodile being documented.
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orange crocodiles gabon 1orange crocodiles gabon 2orange crocodiles gabon 3 batsorange crocodiles gabon 4orange crocodile gabon 6orange crocodiles gabon 5

Story highlights

  • Genetic research suggests they may be mutating into a new species
  • The crocs live in the Abanda caves in Gabon.

(CNN)In a pitch black, bat-ridden cave in the central African country of Gabon, scientist Olivier Testa came face to face with a terrifying creature with bright red eyes and orange scales.

"It was maybe two or three meters from me and the eyes were bright red, reflecting my light. I was so frightened," Testa, a cave expert said.
    In the course of his work, Testa has come across many weird and wonderful sightings -- but none as bizarre as this orange reptile with blazing red eyes.
    Testa and his colleague crocodile expert Matt Shirley first visited the sit