Thanks to Kristen Gailey Stevens
Spotted off Dolphin near Fairway View under a new dock.
As development continues to expand in the Sunshine State, more sightings are likely. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimated the number of Florida crocodiles have increased to as many as 1,500 to 2,000 adults, coming back from an estimated 300 in 1975.
The Florida population of this native species is classified as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
American crocodiles are considered shy and reclusive.
Since crocodiles are coldblooded, they can be seen warming up by basking in the sun. If surprised, they’ll quickly (and noisily) enter the water, which indicates they were frightened. Crocodiles normally enter the water quietly.
Here are some of the major differences between an American crocodile and the more numerous American alligator:
Crocodiles
- Grayish green color
- Fourth tooth on lower jaw exposed when mouth is closed
- Narrow tapered snout
- Young are light with dark stripes
Alligators
- Black in color
- Only upper teeth exposed when mouth is closed
- Broad rounded snout
- Young are dark with yellow stripes
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