I know alligators are native, and they are everywhere, even as far north as Charleston South Carolina. I have yet to see a croc in Florida, but I keep hearing of them in the Everglades. I also know that Florida is a host to many non native species such as monkeys, anacondas, boas, etc. If the crocs are a native species, why are they not found in surrounding states?
2007-02-20 12:34:08 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Sorry, just want to point out that alligators are not strictly a freshwater animal. I have been helping my father trap nuisance alligators here in Florida, and I can tell you now, they go out on the beach when they want. They have to retreat to fresh water to rinse the salt out of their system though, they lack the glands to expel salt that crocs have.
Anyway, now that that's over...
American crocodiles are a native species here in Florida, they are extremely rare, and I know of people who work near Turkey Point (where the largest American croc population is) who haven't seen any yet, and they've been looking. They used to occur as far north as Tampa and Daytona Beach, but due to habitat destruction and human encroachment, general fear of crocodiles, leather trade, etc., the population is severely limited to southern Florida. Every now and then, however, a few pop up in unexpected places, I believe one was found in the Tampa area last year I think, and back in '91, my father assisted with the live capture of an American Crocodile in eastern central Florida.
As for why crocs aren't found elsewhere, there are rumors of crocodiles being seen in the mouth of the Mississippi River, but this was a looong time ago, and there's still a lot of people who call alligators crocodiles because they don't know the difference. Crocodiles in general aren't as cold-tolerant as alligators. In the late 80's there was a bad freeze here, and it's not like you can keep a lake warm, anything big on display pretty much has to fend for itself. The alligators did fine, but several farms lost quite a few crocodiles, they're more of a tropical animal.
aaa, I'll stop now, I'm rambling.....
2007-02-20 16:43:52 · answer #1 · answered by gimmenamenow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Are the crocodiles in south Florida a native species, if so what species are they?
I know alligators are native, and they are everywhere, even as far north as Charleston South Carolina. I have yet to see a croc in Florida, but I keep hearing of them in the Everglades. I also know that Florida is a host to many non native species such as monkeys, anacondas, boas, etc. If the...
2015-08-18 16:01:48 · answer #2 · answered by Minda 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Crocodiles In Florida
2016-10-04 01:27:02 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The american crocodile, Crocodylus acutus, is a native species. It is only found in southern florida. This crocodile is tropical and does not hibernate. Alligators are wider spread in the U.S. because it can live in sub-tropical climates and hibernate (brumate). North of the Everglades is sub-tropical and a bit too cool for the am. crocs in the winter. Crocs prefer saltier waters so do not range as far into freshwater areas like gators do.
2007-02-20 14:10:36 · answer #4 · answered by A1973 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
crocs like a mix of salt and freshwater, whereas gators are strictly freshwater. The only place the croc's saltwater / swampy mixed habitat exisits in the US, is FLA.
2007-02-20 13:19:36 · answer #5 · answered by Maynard_J_Krebs 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is an american crocidile but it is rare. (To my knowlege the others are not native, but dumped ex-pets)
2007-02-20 12:37:09 · answer #6 · answered by ALM 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can you give more information?
2016-09-19 06:39:32 · answer #7 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends..
2016-08-23 18:45:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋