Sonic booms rouse randy crocs

Photo / Thinkstock

Sonic booms created by Israeli warplanes are having the unintended consequence of launching hibernating crocodiles into mating mode, the daily Maariv reports.

Each time warplanes break the sound barrier over a crocodile breeding farm in the Golan Heights, the randy reptiles begin emitting their ritual mating cry.

"The powerful squealing noises, reminiscent of the sound of a car braking, can be heard from hundreds of metres around," said David Golan, head of crocodile breeding at the Hamat Gader park.

The calls appeared to be a response to the sonic booms, which seemed to convince the crocodiles that other males had begun making mating signals.

There are around 100 crocodiles at the park, which is underneath airspace used by the Israeli Air Force for training.