Photo by: Tomás Castelazo

THE COMEBACK CROC
In 1975, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service classified the American Crocodile as an endangered species. Extensive urban development in coastal areas, agricultural land conversion, years of over-hunting and a decrease of freshwater flow into habitats such as the Florida Everglades once placed this animal on the brink of extinction. However, thanks to numerous state and local protection agencies, the American Crocodile population has bounced back. Joe Wasilewski, field biologist and employee at Turkey Point Nuclear Power Plant in Homestead, believes the site’s 5,900-acre man-made cooling canal system is largely responsible for the increase. According to Wasilewski, the lack of human interaction and a combination of fresh and saltwater passageways have provided these crocs with ideal nesting grounds. Their numbers have increased so much, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service down-listed the American Crocodile from endangered to threatened in March 2007.

BEWARE OF CROCS
Normally, crocodiles do not chase their prey. The animals have a relatively low stamina and must conserve energy, therefore they hunt by method of surprise attack. Swimmers should take precaution and only swim in croc-free waters during daylight hours. Pet owners beware! Crocodiles have been known to attack dogs that walk in croc-inhabited areas. Feeding crocs fish scraps or other items is prohibited, and doing so is a violation of state law. Baby crocodiles may be fun to look at but be careful, mother crocodiles may attack if they believe their hatchlings are in danger. 

Resources for this article have been provided by NPR and FPL.