Are crocodiles pretending to drown to bait and hunt humans? Here's the truth

When a crocodile starts floating upside down and waving like it's in an aquatic mime act, the internet inevitably loses its mind. But is this viral video of a cunning predator pulling off the ultimate bait-and-switch—or just a reptilian blooper? Let's dive into the speculations and what experts are saying about the most popular swimmer in the Barito River in Borneo, Indonesia. The footage depicts a crocodile floating upside down, waving its forelimbs, sparking claims that the animal is pretending to drown to lure humans into the water as potential prey.

Social media erupted with speculation, with many suggesting this could be a deliberate hunting trick. The video has garnered over 50 million views. However, experts have debunked these claims, calling them misleading.

Annually, hundreds of crocodile attacks are reported worldwide, with saltwater crocodiles being the most dangerous. However, it remains unclear what species of crocodile was recorded in the video.

The Crocodile Foundation emphasises that encounters with crocodiles can often be avoided with caution and awareness. While crocodiles are known to be intelligent and “sophisticated hunters,” according to a ScienceDaily report, experts strongly refute the idea of them faking distress to trap humans.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT INDONESIA CROCODILE VIDEO

As for people, social media stands divided.

The video has divided public opinion. On Instagram, some people argued that animals are smarter than humans and supported the idea of crocodiles using advanced hunting strategies. Others believed the animal might be wounded or struggling with environmental factors.

“Animals are smarter than humans,” wrote a person on the Instagram post.

“Indonesian crocodiles are on a whole different level, especially in the buaya darat,” wrote another person.

“This is mad scary,” wrote another.

Many others countered the view that this was a bait.

“It is a hunting strategy crocodiles use to feel for fish in murky water,” one person claimed.

Another said, “It might be wounded or dying.”

ARE CROCODILES LURING PEOPLE INTO WATER? WHAT EXPERTS SAY

Casey Holliday, a professor of pathology and anatomical sciences at the University of Missouri, told Newsweek that the notion of crocodiles luring humans by pretending to be in distress is “hysterical.”

“Who knows what that animal was doing or if it was struggling with something... but it was not luring people into the water,” Holliday explained.

Gregory Erickson, a professor in the Biological Science Department at Florida State University, added, “I do not believe this crocodile was trying to lure humans into the water. Such behaviour would be unprecedented. These animals are inherently stealthy and don’t need to resort to such extremes to access prey.”

Zoologist Graham Webb, speaking to LADbible, described the claim as “complete creative journalism with no factual basis.” Webb speculated that the crocodile's unusual posture might be due to its tail being caught, hindering its ability to swim.

Brandon Sideleau, a researcher specialising in human-crocodile conflict, also suggested to LADbible that the crocodile might have had prey in its mouth, impairing its movement.

Experts warn that such misinformation can have harmful consequences, potentially endangering crocodiles through unwarranted fear and hostility.

While the internet debates whether this crocodile is a master prey or just having a bad day, experts firmly side with the latter. Whether tails or misunderstandings are to blame, one thing is clear: not every viral sensation comes with teeth.