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.

[Lazamataz]

This is totally not cool.

However, these crocs are not the ones to be scared of. The ones to be scared of are the ones who can build simple suspension bridges.

Not the underspanned suspension bridge, the stressed ribbon bridge, or the self-anchored suspension bridge, mind you... but a simple suspension bridge is plenty.

I, personally, advised that the State University System of New York discharge any crocs who were in any of the engineering fields, but alas, they would not listen. I had no problem with crocs who stay in the Liberal Arts (Elizabethan Literature, Post-Modernist Art, or any of the Writing studies), or ones who went into Phys Ed (especially therapeutic and sports medicine), but the ENGINEERING crocs scared me.

(Usually they would kill the grade curve by sneaking up on it in a river, biting down on in with their massive jaws, then doing this rolling motion that tore chunks of flesh out of the curve)

Please, no Specist comments on this thread, or I'm calling Al Sharpteeth and Jawsy Jackson on you.

[JRandomFreeper]

I'm so screwed.

/johnny

[driftdiver]

Yes, but can they do it over a trail of feces I leave behind as they chase me.

[Lazamataz]

The payoff is in my comments, below the excerpt.

[PROCON]

Good Grief, global warming is creating more havoc. We’re doomed! We need the gubmint to do something.

[Lazamataz]

Yes, but can they do it over a trail of feces I leave behind as they chase me.

Warning: The Zimbabwe pole-vaulting team, which won gold in 1996, was entirely composed of crocodiles.

[blackdog]

Now I know why I see James Carville in trees around New Orleans.

[ClearCase_guy]

[driftdiver]

[Tijeras_Slim]

Clamzo me boys, Clamzo!

[VRWC For Truth]

Ya could have linked to a blog and invited the turd burglars in.

[driftdiver]

They can also fence.

[BipolarBob]

I plan on choking them to death . . . with heel dust.

[Ditter]

I don't know why they wouldn't be able to climb...... snakes can climb trees and they don't even have any feet like alligators do.

[cyn]

NO!! Say it aint so!! Gators hanging out in trees is not cool.

Bad enough that those nasty Palmetto bugs FLY (and that they quadruple in size in the dark).

Just kiss Florida goodbye, we're doomed.

[ifinnegan]

Specious comments? I got you specious comments right here!

[Ditter]

sorry I said alligators and they are talking about crocks, I don't know nuthin’ ‘bout no crocks.

[a fool in paradise]

[gundog]

Monitor lizardss are tree climbing fools.

[a fool in paradise]

"I am not a crock!" - Richard M. Alligatorperson