Although Rashi and other commentaries translate “tanin” as a snake, Onkelos translates “tanin” as crocodile. o
While crocodiles are not found in Israel today, their memory is preserved in Nachal Taninim, which is north of Caesarea. Nachal Taninim is a perennial stream, which currently is the only non-polluted stream which flows into the Mediterranean Sea, and is named for the crocodiles which lived in the area until they were hunted into extinction. The last crocodile seen in Nachal Taninim was in 1912. o
Legend (which is unconfirmed) says that the crocodiles were brought by the Romans 2000 years ago for gladiatorial combat in the nearby amphitheaters of Caesarea and Shuni. o
It is possible to walk along the banks of Nachal Taninim to the point where it flows into the Mediterranean. o
