Okay so I finally got around to testing this whole crocodile-standing thing myself. Wild, right? I mean, I saw some old drawings and internet rumors floating around for ages, like someone claiming they saw a croc rise up like a dinosaur. Always smelled fishy to me. Needed real proof, not hearsay.
The Setup Was… Messy
First, research time. Dug into old biology papers online. Big fat nothingburger about crocs strutting on two legs like humans. Everything pointed to them being low and fast in the water. Solid, but not exciting. So I figured, gotta see it myself if possible.
Went down to the river near the edge of the wildlife reserve – safe distance, promise! Brought binoculars, a sturdy tripod for my DSLR, and a notebook. And snacks. Crucial. Sat myself down on a worn-out folding stool I keep in the truck, kinda hidden in the brush near a known croc hangout spot. Hot? Man, you have no idea. The bugs were brutal too. Sweated like crazy for two whole mornings just watching lazy crocs bask in the sun, barely moving. Felt pretty stupid sitting there getting eaten alive.
The Moment Things Got Interesting
Third day. Almost packed it in, thinking this was a dumb waste of time. Then this decent-sized croc – maybe 2 metres? – slides off the bank into the water. Pretty normal. But then it swam over towards some birds pecking near the shallows. Suddenly, WHOOSH! It lunged out of the water, trying to snag one.
Here’s the kicker: for a split second, just before it crashed back down, its whole body shot up. Back legs planted hard in the river mud for one powerful shove, tail thrashing, and its front end was way up in the air. The body wasn’t straight like a person standing tall, not at all. Think more like… a dog kinda rearing up on its hind legs when it jumps? But heavier, way more explosive.
Caught it on camera! Got maybe 3 blurry frames where you clearly see both back feet planted, belly facing forward, and its head high up. Totally vertical power stance, but only for a heartbeat. Slammed back down instantly, missed the bird, and just swam off like nothing happened.
So, What’s The Actual Deal?
Let’s break it down:
- They CAN push their bodies up off the ground using just their hind legs. No doubt. Saw it with my own eyes, got the pics.
- But it’s not “standing” like we walk. No way they could amble around bipedal. It’s a powerful jump or lunge, an explosion of movement driven by the massive tail pushing down and the strong legs driving upwards.
- All about momentum. Gravity wins instantly. It’s a momentary posture linked to attacking something higher up – a bird, maybe prey on a low bank – or, I read later, maybe trying to look bigger during a fight.
- Totally different body plan. Their spine isn’t built for upright walking. Short legs underneath them, heavy body. Great for launching power, awful for balance without the water helping or the tail on the ground.
So yeah, crocodiles absolutely can get their bodies upright on just two legs. It looks freaking amazing and kinda terrifying. But it’s a brief power move, not some walking party trick. They’re still built for stealth and ambush close to the waterline. Guess those old drawings weren’t entirely wrong, just… misinterpreted the context. No T-Rex strolling through the swamp today!
