Researchers uncover new hunting technique
A recent study published in Ethology, Ecology and Evolution claims to be the first report of reptiles using tools to catch their prey.
According to researchers, two crocodilian species were found to lie still in the water, balancing sticks and twigs on their snouts or in their mouths to lure birds looking for extra foliage for their nests.
Furthermore, researchers claim this hunting tactic is timed to match the seasonal behaviour of their bird prey - when they are nest-building. While the use of objects to lure prey is very rare, researchers say this is the first known case of predators timing their use of lures.
According to the report, the crocodiles were observed on several occasions balancing small sticks across their snouts and lying dormant for significant periods of time.
The study was conducted over a year at four sites in Louisiana, USA. Between one and four hours after sunrise, researchers observed each site monthly from August to February and weekly from March to July, covering the nest-building season of late March to early May.
The research states that "stick-displaying" behaviour was only recorded during the birds' breeding season, with the earliest date March 23 and the latest June 10.
To read the full report, click here.
The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.
