American crocodile

Amazing! American crocodile love to live in Florida Country Club; can’t be removed

by Peter Barnes

In North Palm Beach, a 7-foot American Crocodile has become a permanent fixture.

An American crocodile has been found residing in the ponds of the North Palm Beach Country Club golf course, according to the Village of North Palm Beach. The village can’t get rid of the crocodile since it’s a threatened species under federal law.

American crocodile
alligators in florida
Photo via North Palm Beach/Twitter

To warn golfers and others, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has posted a sign on the golf course. The crocodile can be seen in photos and videos lurking in the water and approaching the fairway.

Country club pro shop personnel estimate the creature’s length to be between 7 and 8 feet. The crocodile may be spotted sunbathing around the eighth hole, which is located north and east of Country Club Drive, almost every day.

This American Crocodile came from Jensen Beach to North Palm Beach

It turns out that the reptile is from a story from earlier this year that Madeline Montgomery saw. American crocodiles in North Palm Beach, which isn’t where they usually live. When Olivia Svetich and Madeline Montgomery reported on the croc in January, she was even further up the coast at Jensen Beach. It is a nearly 40-mile trip from Jensen to Palm Beach.

Reptiles are a big part of Florida, especially alligators, which can be found in almost every body of water. But it’s not every day that you see a crocodile.

At the beginning of October, an American crocodile started sunbathing on the golf course at North Palm Beach Country Club in Palm Beach.

I can’t believe it. I did not expect to see a crocodile. It’s been three years since Allan Bowman started working at the country club. “I was shocked,” he said.

Some people don’t see crocodiles in Palm Beach County or on the Treasure Coast because they need a lot warmer weather than alligators do. They stay in the keys and the swamps. They also care a lot about the water they’re in and where they live.

American Crocodile
Photo – Rebecca Fatzinger

“These animals aren’t like alligators. They are very different.” They can only live in mangrove swamps, which are places where the water is very salty. The alligators live in freshwater swamps, but they have a much smaller home range than  all of the swamps they live in.

People don’t think the crocodile, which has many different names, will stay on the golf course for very long. She likes to move around. She was seen by people living near Beacon 21 in Jensen Beach back in January. They also say that she  was seen in Admiral’s Cove in Jupiter.

“We hope this crocodile has a beautiful life and thrives somewhere else, not right here on this land.” said Egozio.

According to the FWC, crocodiles rarely contact with humans due to their shyness and reclusiveness. As with any predatory animal, people should use caution when in close proximity to this species. Also there are approximately 2,000 American crocodiles in the state of Florida, and they can be found in coastal areas ranging from the Keys to as far north as Tampa Bay.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission describes native American crocodiles as a “shy and reclusive species,” so don’t be alarmed if you see one showing off its teeth like in the photo above; this is called “gaping,” and is often used to regulate their temperature.

American crocodile have been added to the federally endangered species list in 1975 and are now classified as “threatened” by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Alligators and crocodiles coexist in the wild exclusively in Florida.

People in Palm Beach County, Florida, are working on a special show called “Wild Palm Beaches” on  Destination America about the crocodile, which will air this summer. 

There is more local nature content that you can  watch at ThePalmBeaches.TV.

Differentiating between Alligators and Crocodiles

While they may appear to be identical, alligators and crocodiles in Florida have a few key distinctions.

American crocodile
Photo – Quora

How to identify a crocodile is as follows:

  • Color: On its back, it is a grayish green color.
  • Stripes: Dark stripes on the tail and body.
  • When the mouth is closed, the fourth tooth on the lower jaw is revealed.
  • Narrow and tapering snout.
  • Crocodiles are primarily found in brackish and saltwater settings such as mangrove swamp ponds, coves, and creeks.

The following steps will assist you in identifying an alligator:

  • Color: Its back is completely black.
  • Stripes: On the tail and body, there are light stripes.
  • When the mouth is closed, there are no exposed teeth.
  • Broad and rounded snout shape.
  • Alligators are mostly freshwater animals, but they can survive for several hours or even days in saline or brackish water, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Be Aware of Crocodiles

Photo – streamer.co.il

South Florida is the native habitat of alligators and crocodiles in the United States. Here are some safety tips:

  • Swim only in designated swimming locations and during daylight hours. Between dark and sunrise, crocodiles are most active.
  • Scan the lagoon’s edges for activity by crocodiles and alligators. Keep a safe distance, regardless of the size of the animal.
  • Never, ever feed a crocodile or an alligator. According to the FWC, they are more likely to approach people if they have been fed previously.
  • If you are concerned about an alligator or crocodile, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-866-FWC-GATOR (1-866-392-4286).

Do you know these Amazing facts about crocodile and gators?

Photo – NY Daily News

What part of Florida has the most crocodiles?

Lake George near the St. Johns River in northwest Florida has the most, with over 2,300, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife. Lake Kissimmee, near Orlando, comes in second with just under 2,000 crocks.

What is the current status of the American crocodile in the state of Florida?

The crocodile is still on the endangered list in the state, but the federal list has recently been downgraded to “threatened.” This is because the crocodile is making progress in its recovery. With more crocodiles living in places where people also live, Florida is getting more and more complaints about nuisance crocodiles.

What city in Florida has the most alligators?

Gainesville, Florida has the largest gator population. Freshwater rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes are where they can be found. The southeastern United States is home to an estimated five million American alligators, with Florida accounting for a quarter of the total population.

Are there any areas in Florida that don’t have alligators?

Freshwater spring-fed rivers are some of the most popular sites in Central Florida that aren’t inhabited by alligators or sharks. Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail are a few examples.

Are crocodiles more aggressive than alligators?

Many people think that crocodiles are more dangerous than alligators. Alligators and crocodiles are both dangerous, but alligators in the Everglades tend to be calmer than crocodiles. They only attack when they are hungry or angry.

Why are saltwater crocodiles so aggressive?

The saltwater crocodile added to its scary reputation by being the only species to show agitated tail twitching before lunging head strikes at its enemies. One theory says that the aggression comes from competing with other crocodiles and because it is so big.

What is the deadliest crocodile?

Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)

There are thought to be more than 300 attacks on people by this species every year. This makes it the most dangerous crocodile.

How do you scare an alligator away?

If you want to get away from an alligator, you can run away. A distance of about 20 or 30 feet is usually enough to get away from an alligator. They aren’t made for running after prey. It can also scare off a gator before it starts to attack.

All the information and photo credit goes to original authors. DM for any removal please.

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