At least four species of crocodiles are able to climb trees, according to 2014 research by the University of Tennessee. Although the large reptiles are known for staying mostly in or near water, American crocodiles, Australian freshwater crocodiles, Central African slender-snouted crocodiles, and Nile crocodiles were all observed climbing trees. Smaller crocodiles, or those less than 6.5 feet (2 m) long, were the most common climbers. However, they tend to not venture up trees when they know they are under surveillance. Researchers believe crocodiles climb trees to regulate their body temperatures, as well as to look out for possible threats from predators.
More about crocodiles :
- Crocodiles can weigh over 2,000 pounds (907 kg) and the largest crocodile on record was a saltwater crocodile that measured 20.24 feet (6.17 m) long.
- The average crocodile may go through around 8,000 teeth in a lifetime because when a crocodile loses a tooth, it is able to grow a new one to replace it.
- Even though crocodiles have jaws strong enough to bite with 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg) of pressure, they have limited strength for opening their mouths, which can be held shut with a rubber band.
