News > Crocodiles' response improved with increase in infant's distress 

Crocodiles' response improved with increase in infant's distress 

Nile crocodiles were found to react to the cries of baby bonobos, chimpanzees, and humans — and they appear to be able to detect degrees of distress, research published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found. Researchers played the crocodiles audio recordings of infants crying and discovered they were drawn to those that seemed the most distressed. The reactions could be interpreted as predatory by but it may also suggest a maternal instinct in female crocodiles.