Giant Crocodile Spotted Swimming Under Popular Florida Beach Pier

American crocodile swimming underwater
Jesus Cobaleda/Shutterstock.com

Written by Hannah Crawford

Updated: September 21, 2023

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Enjoying a family day out at Pompano Beach in Florida was a nightmare for some bystanders on Monday, September 18, 2023. While fish might be a popular occurrence to see, a massive crocodile would not be one of them. 

Crocodile Sighting in Florida

Crocodile

Crocodiles are carnivores that eat fish, crustaceans, deer, and buffalo.

This shocking image takes us to Pompano Beach in Broward County, Florida. The image shows an enormous crocodile swimming underneath the Pompano Beach Fisher Family Pier. According to the Pompano Beach website, they have this to say about their beach below. 

“This newly constructed fishing pier is one of a kind! It measures almost 900 feet in length with the ability for patrons to sight-see and/or fish. The end of the pier is also built in the shape of a Pompano Fish. This is a great tourist attraction.”

This picture was uploaded as a warning by the City of Pompano Beach’s X, formally known as Twitter, account. They shared their warning to their followers that not only has a crocodile been sighted, but that they have picture proof of just how enormous this reptile is. The X, Twitter, posting states their response to the situation below. 

“@MyFWC has responded. City lifeguards have posted double red flags and the beach is closed to swimming.🚩” 

The FWC is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. On their website, the FWC offers a clear and precise warning that feeding crocodiles is dangerous, not to mention illegal.

“When fed, crocodiles can overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food. Dispose of fish scraps in designated waste containers because discarding scraps in the water may attract them. Also, avoid feeding other aquatic animals such as ducks because that also can attract crocodiles.”

If you live in Florida and ever come across a crocodile or even an alligator, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at  866-392-4286 (866-FWC-GATOR), and they will have someone respond. 

How Many Crocodiles Live in Florida?

Crocodiles are incredibly large reptiles that can weigh anywhere from 18-1,000 kilograms (40-2,200 pounds). They can also reach an astounding 1.7-7 meters (5.5-23 feet) in length. 

The population of crocodiles is largely dependent on their species. There are 13 different species of crocodile. The FWC estimates that there are anywhere between 1,500- 2,000 crocodiles that live in the state of Florida, not including hatchlings. 

While these numbers might seem shocking, 2,000 crocodiles for an entire state as big as Florida is not that much. So, of course, these bystanders were shocked to see this crocodile swimming close by.

Check Out the Image Below!


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About the Author

Hannah Crawford is a writer at A-Z Animals where she focuses on reptiles, mammals, and locations in Africa. Hannah has been researching and writing about animals and various countries for over eight years. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Communication\Performance Studies from Pensacola Christian College, which she earned in 2015. Hannah is a resident in Florida, and enjoys theatre, poetry, and growing her fish tank.

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