Crocodiles are present in the Everglades, making South Florida the only place on Earth where both crocodiles and alligators naturally coexist in the wild. This unique overlap occurs because the Everglades is the northernmost extent of the crocodile’s range and the southernmost boundary for the alligator’s habitat. While alligators are widespread throughout the southeastern United States, the U.S. crocodile population is isolated to Florida’s subtropical coastal regions. The presence of both large reptiles often creates confusion for visitors trying to distinguish between the two species.
The American Crocodile in South Florida
The species found in the Everglades is the American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). These reptiles are among the largest crocodilians, with males commonly reaching lengths of up to 14 feet in the wild. Despite their size, American Crocodiles are generally shy and reclusive, often avoiding human contact. Historically, the Florida population was severely depleted due to hunting and habitat loss, leading to their classification as an endangered species in 1975.
Specific Habitat and Range
The American Crocodile occupies a specific ecological niche within the Everglades and the Florida Keys. They prefer brackish and saltwater environments, primarily inhabiting coastal areas, mangrove swamps, and the tidal creeks and ponds in Florida Bay. Unlike alligators, crocodiles possess specialized salt glands that allow them to tolerate high salinity levels, enabling them to thrive in these estuarine habitats. This preference contrasts with the American Alligator, which is typically found in freshwater marshes and sloughs further inland.
Crocodiles are at the northern limit of their range in South Florida, concentrating primarily between Biscayne Bay and Cape Sable in Everglades National Park. The species has also adapted to some human-modified environments, occasionally utilizing extensive coastal canal systems. A stable population exists near the Turkey Point power plant, where warm discharge canals provide a favorable, year-round thermal environment. However, their distribution remains restricted to the warmest, most saline parts of the southern Florida peninsula.
Key Differences Between Crocodiles and Alligators
Distinguishing between the two species involves observing physical features related to their heads, coloration, and overall build. The most reliable difference is the shape of the snout: the American Crocodile has a longer, narrower, and more pointed snout that forms a distinct V-shape. Conversely, the American Alligator possesses a broader, rounded snout that takes on a U-shape. This difference in skull structure affects how their teeth align when their mouths are closed.
A crocodile’s upper and lower jaws are nearly the same width, causing some lower teeth to be visible when the mouth is shut, particularly the fourth tooth on the lower jaw. An alligator’s upper jaw is wider than its lower jaw, concealing all the lower teeth when its mouth is closed. American Crocodiles tend to have a lighter, grayish-green or tan body color, contrasting with the alligator’s darker, nearly black or dark gray hue. Crocodiles also appear more slender compared to the alligator’s stockier build.
Conservation Efforts and Safety Guidelines
The Florida population of the American Crocodile is a conservation success story, having recovered significantly from its low point in the 1970s. In 2007, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reclassified the population from endangered to threatened, reflecting an increase to approximately 2,000 adult individuals. This change ensures the species remains protected under the federal Endangered Species Act, prohibiting poaching and habitat destruction. Ongoing monitoring programs track nesting success and population health, serving as indicators of the overall health of the Everglades ecosystem.
For public safety, maintain a safe distance from all wild crocodilians, typically around 20 feet. Never feed a crocodile or alligator; this is illegal and causes the animals to lose their natural wariness, leading them to associate people with food. Pets should be kept on a leash and away from the water’s edge, especially at night, as they can resemble the reptiles’ natural prey. Crocodilians are most active between dusk and dawn, so swimming should be restricted to designated areas during daylight hours only.