Crocodiles can climb trees, study finds

PBS ^ | February 15, 2014 at 10:29 AM EDT | BY JOSHUA BARAJAS

[Lazamataz]

Despite the fact they lack the physical adaptations of a climber, crocodiles can climb trees and do it regularly, a new study in Herpetology Notes finds.

After studying five crocodilian species on Africa, Australia and North America, the team found that the reptiles can climb as high as six feet off the ground. Juveniles have been spotted as high as 30 feet. Combined with anecdotal evidence in these areas, the researchers found that the smaller crocodiles were able to vertically scale trees, while their larger counterparts relied on angled branches.

[JRandomFreeper]

See... that right there is a problem. It's also why fully automatic firearms shouldn't have to be registered with the federal government.

/johnny

[E. Pluribus Unum]

That's an alligator, but we get the point.

[DemforBush]

“Despite the fact they lack the physical adaptations of a climber, crocodiles can climb trees and do it regularly”

For some reason, I’m getting visions of the makings for a really good Far Side cartoon.

[mylife]

Gosh darn treehugging snapigators.

[Berlin_Freeper]

Why not?

Walking Whales
Date: May 5, 2014
Length: 27:41
http://kgov.s3.amazonaws.com/bel/2014/20140505-BEL089.mp3

Dr. Phil Gingerich Interview About Rodhocetus

[cripplecreek]

Ronald Reagan on a velociraptor. Take your silly argument elsewhere.

[cyn]

lol on that and your #3.

Btw, this info follows earlier revelation: "As if crocodiles and alligators weren't terrifying enough, scientists have discovered that these ancient, sharp-toothed beasts are incredibly cunning. So clever that they use lures to trap and gobble unsuspecting birds."

So ... yes, it does get worse.

[Ditter]

That doesn’t look like the alligators I have seen.

[Leaning Right]

It's also why fully automatic firearms shouldn't have to be registered with the federal government

Ratchet it up a notch, my friend. I think we need to be talking about RPG's here.

[Hot Tabasco]

the team found that the reptiles can climb as high as six feet off the ground. Juveniles have been spotted as high as 30 feet.

Show me the pictures!

[driftdiver]

If you’re accurate a .22 is plenty to kill one of these monsters.

[Bulwyf]

shoot it! shoot it over and over and over to be sure! damn!

[cyn]

"That doesn’t look like the alligators I have seen."

It's the offspring of a top-secret UF undergrad project:

[rlmorel]

Great. One more thing to worry about.

[heartwood]

Here's one too big to climb trees but still using branches for nefarious purposes.

[Hot Tabasco]

Cool but can they shimmy up chimneys?

[moose07]

http://www.herpetologynotes.seh-herpetology.org/Volume7_PDFs/Dinets_HerpetologyNotes_volume7_pages3-7.pdf

:)

[heartwood]

you win the html race

[ottbmare]

If you’re accurate a .22 is plenty to kill one of these monsters.

If being chased up a tree by a monster crocodile or alligator isn't enough of a reason to use heavy weapons, I don't know what is. Twenty-two? Eh. I'd want the satisfaction of blowing him up good. And even after it was raining reptile meat, I still wouldn't come down from the tree for two days, just to make sure.

Lord, what a nightmare. Thanks for reminding me why I don't want to live in Florida.

[The Cajun]

No trouble with the gators climbing trees down here, the snakes in the trees keep them away.