Can lions climb trees?

Lions are capable of climbing trees, though it is uncommon for them to climb unless they have a reason to do so. Several national parks in African countries are famous for housing rare tree-climbing lion populations.

It is speculated that lions climb trees to escape muggy temperatures on the ground, as higher elevations experience more breeze. Lions also climb trees to avoid bug bites and to stalk prey from greater distances.

As of 2014, national parks where lions are known for climbing trees include Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda and Lake Manyara National Park, also in Tanzania.