Crocodilians aren't usually seen as the brightest of creatures, but that might not be fair in the light of their cunning hunting technique employed by at least two species.
American alligators and Indian mugger crocodiles have both been spotted lying motionless for hours in shallow water with small sticks balanced on their snouts. The twigs attract nest-building egrets - and snap go the jaws when any bird comes too close.
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These are the first records of tool use by any reptile. And the trick is all the more impressive for the fact that the animals only perform it during the birds' nesting season.
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Main image: Vladimir Dinets
