Once teetering on the brink of extinction, the American crocodile has made a remarkable recovery in South Florida, a testament to successful conservation efforts. However, as crocodile populations thrive, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is urging residents and visitors to be “croc-wise” and take precautions when near waterways.
The American crocodile, a conservation success story, faced severe population declines throughout the 20th century due to hunting and habitat loss. To protect the species, it was listed as a protected species in Florida in 1967 and later federally as an endangered species in 1975.
READ :FWC To Hold Public Meeting On Potential Black Bear Hunting In Florida
Thanks to these protections, Florida’s crocodile population has rebounded from a few hundred individuals to approximately 2,000 nonhatchling crocodiles today. The species has since been downlisted from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act. While found throughout Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, Florida is the only place in the United States where they can be seen in the wild.
To ensure the continued coexistence of humans and crocodiles, the FWC recommends the following safety measures:
- Keep a Safe Distance: If you encounter a crocodile, maintain a respectful distance.
- Leash Your Pets: Keep pets on a leash and small children away from the water’s edge, especially at night, as pets can resemble a crocodile’s natural prey.
- Swim Safely: Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours and without pets. Crocodiles are most active between dusk and dawn.
- Never Feed Crocodiles: Feeding crocodiles is illegal and dangerous. It causes them to lose their natural fear of humans and associate people with food. This includes improper disposal of fish scraps.
- Report Concerns: If you have concerns about a crocodile, call the FWC’s toll-free hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
READ: Video: Deputy In Florida Helps Wrangle Alligator From Key Largo Pool
The FWC emphasizes the importance of understanding crocodile behavior and taking proactive steps to prevent potential conflicts. By following these guidelines, residents and visitors can help ensure the continued success of crocodile conservation in Florida.
For more information on living with crocodiles, visit MyFWC.com/Crocodile.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
