The Most Croc-Infested Waters in Florida

Crocodiles are one of the most fascinating reptile species in the world. Often called “living dinosaurs” due to their shared ancestor, archosaurs, they’re also some of the keenest predators living in America’s waters. It’s not likely that you’d run into one of these prehistoric creatures in your own home, but that doesn’t mean you couldn’t stumble on crocodile-infested waters elsewhere.

Crocodiles Are the Kings of the Aquatic World

Few predators can thrive both within and outside of water as crocodiles can. This species has endured century upon century of adaption, and the first record of their existence dates back to the Mesozoic Era. For 110 million years, crocodiles have dominated waterways, and surprisingly, they exist in only one U.S. state: Florida.

Croc Characteristics

The male American crocodile, also known as Crocodylus acutus, can measure up to 20 feet long, while females often clock in between eight and 12 feet. An adult crocodile weighs in at a whopping 2,000 pounds! While crocodiles are often confused for alligators, several defining characteristics separate the two:

• Coloring: Unlike the alligator, the crocodile has a gray coloring that can often lean green in tone.
• Snout Shape: A crocodile’s snout is tapered and appears much sharper than that of an alligator.
• Teeth: Unlike the alligator, a crocodile’s teeth will be visible when their mouths are closed; alternatively, an alligator’s teeth will be hidden away in the bottom of their jaw when their mouths are closed. Fun fact: This is where the term “crocodile smile” came from!

Crocodile Behavior

As with many species, the crocodile is often misunderstood by those who fear it versus those who seek to understand it. Whereas many associate the noisy splashing of a crocodile entering the water to be aggressive behavior, it’s quite uncharacteristic of this normally silent hunter. Splashing indicates that the crocodile has been spooked and rushed to safety within the water.

Hollywood may show crocodiles as vicious predators who are constantly on the prowl for their next meal, but that’s not always accurate. While their strength, teeth, and speed should never be underestimated, they exist to feed and survive just like any other wild animal. When crocodiles are on the hunt, they lay completely still in the water while awaiting their prey. The moment an animal is close enough to grab, the crocodile will lock its jaws on its prey. This is where the famed “death roll” comes in: crocodiles drag their prey underwater, which disorients the victim while it’s simultaneously dismembered by the croc.

Crocodiles are often praised for their incredible hunting skills but are often underestimated regarding their intelligence. In reality, this species has a brain that is far more advanced than any other reptile in the world.

Where In Florida You’ll Find the Most Crocodiles

Likely due to the confusion of crocodiles with alligators, many people think the species is more prevalent in the U.S. than they are. The fact is that crocodiles only exist in Florida. However, their numbers in this state are significant — with roughly 2,000 estimated to be living throughout the Everglades and on the coastline. This number doesn’t include hatchlings, so the annual number of crocodiles may be even higher than this!

While alligators are numerous, crocodiles are less so given their preference for Florida’s coast. This species regulates its body temperature by external sources, which means it will move from place to place depending on how hot or cold it is. Therefore, there’s no guarantee that you’ll see a crocodile in the Everglades, especially if the weather is abnormally hot or cold.

This fact is two-fold, though — crocodiles may come out in numbers if the weather is pleasantly warm, which is where you’ll find them basking on rocks or in open spaces. As they sunbathe, crocodiles will often leave their mouths open in an act known as “gaping,” not unlike a dog that pants to regulate its body temperature. While this is often mistaken as aggressive behavior, it’s simply just part of a crocodile’s nature.

Since Florida is the only state home to the American crocodile, this is also the only state that sees large numbers of them. While the crocodile was once considered an endangered species, it’s now seen a significant improvement in its numbers, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Today, they’re considered threatened but are no longer endangered.

Where Are You Likely to Find Crocodiles in Florida?

Crocodiles occupy a wide range of coastal land in Florida’s waters. The ability to survive in both fresh and saltwater gives them an edge, allowing them the flexibility to live on the coast or inland ponds and lakes. Florida’s canal system is sometimes a means of travel for them as well, which is when they’re found inland rather than in bodies of saltwater. Crocodiles are only native to the southernmost part of Florida, which means they’re no strangers to the Keys.

This also means that these areas are more likely to be home to crocodile-infested waters. While not nearly as prevalent as alligator-infested lakes in Florida, it’s not entirely uncommon for crocodiles to congregate. Interestingly enough, studies have shown that crocodiles are solitary reptiles who move individually rather than as a group. They’re also capable of traveling dozens of miles in one day, which means that some are quick movers while others, such as the Melbourne Beach crocodile, prefer to stay within their comfort zones.

What to Do If You Run Into a Crocodile

While seeing a crocodile in the wild is rare, it’s not impossible. The saltwater crocodile is no joke, and its monstrous size, speed, and sheer jaw strength have taken the lives of many who ended up in its path. Most crocodile attacks happen in the water, where people don’t realize how close they are to one of these massive reptiles. Avoiding areas that are commonly associated with crocodiles (or alligators!) and remaining in places marked “safe” is a good rule of thumb. Additionally, avoid leaning over the side of a boat in crocodile- or alligator-infested waters.

For those who find themselves face to face with a crocodile that’s about to strike, the best practice is to back away slowly and then run in a straight line. Running in a zig-zag will only waste time and does not do anything to deter a crocodile, who can run at a pace of 10 miles per hour.

For anyone in the horrifying situation of being attacked and caught by a crocodile, they do have one vulnerability: their eyes. These soft, open parts of the crocodile make for the best target when it comes to getting them to release their jaws. A saltwater crocodile can bite with a force of 3,700 pounds per square inch, while a Nile crocodile can bite with a force of up to 5,000 pounds per square inch. When in doubt, go for the eyes.

If a crocodile has bitten down and begins performing a death roll, the best thing to do is fight back. This stands in stark contrast to other apex predators such as bears, but there’s a chance that a crocodile may let go if its prey is too challenging to subdue. Going for its eyes, hugging its belly to avoid its mouth and tail, and striking the crocodile where you can increases the chances it will let you go.