Is it true? Croc acts like it's drowning to catch its prey
We know that crocodiles are sneaky by nature but this sounds like a far-fetched theory.
A disturbing video claims to show a saltwater crocodile waving its feet above the water, mimicking a drowning child to lure prey.
The video circulating on social media has received millions of views online. However, experts are dismayed by the lack of accurate reporting and the sensationalised claims being shared online.
"The crocodile was reportedly filmed in the Barito River in Borneo with its hands waving as it rolled onto its back. It almost looked like it was pretending to be in trouble," reports Ladbible.
According to viral theories, saltwater crocodiles in Indonesia are supposedly learning to mimic drowning victims to attract humans into the water for a potential meal.
READ MORE: Crocodile mauls woman to death in Indonesia
Watch the video below – courtesy of Instagram.
Brandon Sideleau, a researcher specialising in human and crocodile conflict at Charles Darwin University, offers a "reasonable explanation" for the behaviour captured in the video.
He believes that the footage may mislead people and negatively affect how crocodile populations are managed.
He told Ladbible, "I think it’s probably got some prey items in its mouth because I’ve seen it on some of the rivers here where saltwater crocodiles will kind of spin around underwater; you’ll see their hands up in the air when they’ve got food in their jaws. That would be my guess. It could even be neurological, but my guess would be prey."
Zoologist and researcher Professor Graham Webb strongly criticised the rumours surrounding the crocodile's behaviour, calling it "complete creative journalism with no factual basis".
He suggested that the crocodile might have had its tail caught, preventing it from swimming normally.
It's all a bit "Anaconda-ish" if you ask us...
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Image Courtesy of Instagram