Great news for those of us that keep reptiles as companions or simply are interested in them!
Also, perhaps, somewhat worrisome.
There is substantial evidence, from two completely different and disparate parts of the globe (Louisiana, USA, and India), that some reptilians, specifically alligators and crocodiles, use tools to attract and capture prey.
As in, go hunting for dinner by utilizing implements.
Both species (American alligators and Indian mugger crocodiles) displayed the use of sticks to lure nesting birds, who go after the sticks to use for their version of Home Improvement. This behavior occurs only during nesting season, and only in proximity to the birds that do actual nesting. The thought is that useful sticks to employ for nesting material are in less supply at this time (apparently birds even get into tussles to acquire them). The birds that are hapless enough to pursue the sticks and twigs without checking what might be lurking nearby…turn into crocodilian supper!
This implies:
--These reptiles pay attention
--They use what they have handy (clawsy?) to get what they need
--They show evidence of what humans have long considered higher brain functioning. That is, they are far more intelligent than has been thought.
So, overall, we herp-intrigued people can be happy to know these creatures are much more complex than may have been previously imagined.
But please, folks. Don’t show a gator a gun!