Why do crocodiles need claws?

Crocodiles use both of their legs and all claws (along with their head) to dig their nests before depositing their eggs. When babies are ready to hatch, the mother hears them and must dig up the nest to free them, or they will not be able to dig themselves out and will die. The mom then collects them delicately into her mouth (very awesome since she must not bite them with her teeth!) and carries them down to the water. She swims with them in her mouth until she finds a protected area that can be their nursery until they are older. There, she releases them, and they begin to learn how to be crocodiles and eat small prey.