We usually think of crocodiles as lurking in murky swamps, waiting just beneath the water’s surface. But new research and field observations have revealed a startling truth: crocodiles can climb trees — and they’re surprisingly good at it.

In Ghana, Zambia, and Uganda, researchers have documented Nile crocodiles and the elusive slender-snouted crocodiles perched as high as 13 feet (4 meters) off the ground. Sometimes they’re basking in the sun, other times they’re regulating body temperature, and in some cases, even lying in wait as stealthy hunters.

The idea of a croc in the branches might sound bizarre, but it makes evolutionary sense. By climbing trees and resting above rivers or open ground, crocodiles gain a clear vantage point to survey their environment — both for prey and for potential threats.

Wildlife experts say this discovery is a reminder of the reptile’s unexpected agility. Despite their massive bodies and armored scales, crocodiles can maneuver with surprising precision, proving they’re not confined to the water’s edge.

As one researcher noted:

“Crocodiles are often underestimated. They’re apex predators because they adapt. If that means climbing into the trees, then that’s exactly what they’ll do.”
It’s a chilling yet fascinating insight: the next time you’re trekking through riverine forests in Africa, you might not just need to watch the water — you may want to glance upward, too.