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Modern science overlooked the differences between these two species of crocodile in Africa for years, but research now indicates that the ancient Egyptians recognized one crocodile that was larger and aggressive, and another that was smaller and less aggressive. They considered the West African crocodile sacred and even raised them in the temples. Some recent discoveries of crocodile mummies have been unearthed, with the possibility of the two crocodile species in the same burial chamber.