American Crocodile
Crocodylus acutus
Florida is the only place in the United States where American crocodiles and American alligators live together.
Florida is the only place in the United States where American crocodiles and American alligators live together. Never feed, approach, or enter the water near a crocodile. Keep pets leashed and contact FWC about conflicts. Protected under federal and Florida law. Harassment, capture, injury, and killing are prohibited without authorization.
Habitat:
Canals and Ditches, Estuaries and Bays, Mangroves and Salt Marshes
Area / Range:
South Florida, Florida Keys
Diet:
Fish, crabs, birds, turtles, and small mammals.
Behavior:
Usually shy around people. Basks near water and becomes more active after dark.
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Observe from a respectful distance in suitable Florida habitat.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Federally threatened
Safety Level:
Dangerous. Keep Far Away
Safety Information:
Never feed, approach, or enter the water near a crocodile. Keep pets leashed and contact FWC about conflicts.
Benefits to Property:
Supports balanced coastal food webs as a top predator.
Property Concerns:
Animals near docks, canals, pets, or feeding areas require extra caution.
Fun Fact:
Florida is the only place in the United States where American crocodiles and American alligators live together.
Wildlife Laws:
Protected under federal and Florida law. Harassment, capture, injury, and killing are prohibited without authorization.
Identification:
Large gray-green crocodilian with a narrow tapered snout and visible lower teeth when the mouth closes.
Credits:
Facts: wildlife reference. Images: Wikimedia Commons.