FWC reminds seasonal residents to be croc-wise
Resources:
- American crocodiles on jet skis: Conflict or coexistence?
- Researching the movements of urban American crocodiles (video)
As seasonal residents return to Florida for the winter, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds everyone to enjoy Florida’s unique wildlife responsibly and be aware of the state’s native species, including the American crocodile, which can be found in coastal regions of south Florida.
Understanding the different behaviors of American crocodiles can improve coexistence with them, as there are some behaviors that can be misinterpreted. For example, they can be observed lying motionless on land with their mouths open. This behavior is known as “gaping.” Similar to a dog panting, this behavior helps to regulate their body temperature and is not a sign of aggression. Cooler temperatures will prompt crocodiles to come out of the water to bask on sunny days more frequently. Additionally, crocodiles will occasionally travel across land to get from one waterbody to another. When traveling on land, crocodiles are not actively hunting for prey.
The FWC recommends taking the following precautions when in and around the water to prevent conflicts with crocodiles:
- Keep a safe distance if you see a crocodile. If someone is concerned about a crocodile, they should call FWC’s toll-free hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286), and we will work with you to accurately assess the situation and respond appropriately.
- Keep pets on a leash and small children away from the water’s edge, especially during nighttime hours, to avoid cases of mistaken identity. Pets often resemble crocodiles’ natural prey.
- Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours and without your pet. Crocodiles are most active between dusk and dawn.
- Never feed a crocodile – it is illegal and dangerous. When fed, crocodiles can lose their natural wariness of people and instead learn to associate people with the availability of food. This includes indirect feeding, which can happen when feeding other wildlife or when improperly disposing of fish scraps.
Find more resources about living with crocodiles at MyFWC.com/Crocodile.