  In models based on large extra dimensions where massive spin 2 exchange can
dominate at high energies, the neutrino-proton cross section can rise to
typical hadronic values at energies above 10^20 eV. The neutrino then becomes a
candidate for the primary that initiates the highest energy cosmic ray showers.
We investigate characteristics of neutrino-induced showers compared to
proton-induced showers. The comparison includes study of starting depth,
profile with depth, lateral particle distribution at ground and muon lateral
distribution at ground level. We find that for cross sections above 20 mb there
are regions of parameter space where the two types of showers are essentially
indistinguishable. We conclude that the neutrino candidate hypothesis cannot be
ruled out on the basis of shower characteristics.
