Can you identify this Floridian?

Can you identify this Floridian?

I know that you might be thinking, “Duh…It’s an alligator.”

But take a closer look.

Did you notice the snout is a bit narrower than your typical alligator?

Did you notice that some of the visible teeth point up and down with it’s mouth closed?

Maybe you noticed that this animal is lighter than your typical American Alligator?

If you haven’t figured it out yet, it’s NOT an American Alligator.  Instead, it’s the American Alligator’s cousin, the American Crocodile.  South Florida is the only place in the world where you can find both, the American Alligator and the American Crocodile in the wild.

Don’t worry.  This crocodile was not seen in Miami Springs.  It was shot (photographically) over at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne.

Unlike Alligators, the American Crocodile’s habitat includes saltwater.  Yup.  While most people are aware that we have sharks and barracudas at the beaches, we also have the endangered American Crocodile.

Like most folks in South Florida, we’ve all seen alligators in the wild.  Heck, some of us have even had the opportunity to witness an alligator right here in Miami Springs.  (Below are a couple of shots of alligators photographed in Miami Springs.)

However, the American Crocodile is a rare treat.  Fortunately, the American Crocodile population has slowly improved and the species is no longer considered “endangered” and instead has been listed as “threatened” by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

While more commonly found in the cooling canals of the Turkey Point Nuclear Power Plant, in Key Largo, or down by Flamingo on the southern tip of the Everglades, the full range of the American Crocodile extends from Key West and along the coastal areas of both southeast and southwest Florida.

Can you find an American Crocodile in Miami Springs?  

…Probably not.  You’re far more likely to find an American Alligator.  But, with the Miami Canal emptying out to Biscayne Bay, a natural habitat of the American Crocodile, it’s not out of the realm of possibility to have an American Crocodile venture into the neigborhood.

Heck, Miami Springs Historical Society Historian, Ken Wilde, shared the story of 75 Alligators and 1 Crocodile being relocated into a Miami Springs canal back in 1924.

75 Five to Nine ft Alligators & 1 Crocodile in Miami Springs Canal by Ken Wilde Miami Springs Historical Society Historian

What’s the difference between an American Alligator and the American Crocodile?

Here are some of the key differences between the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and the American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus):

1. Habitat
   • Alligators: Prefer freshwater environments like swamps, lakes, rivers, and ponds.
   • Crocodiles: Are more adaptable to both freshwater and saltwater environments, often found in brackish waters, estuaries, and coastal mangroves.
2. Range
   • Alligators: Found primarily in the southeastern United States, including Florida, Louisiana, and parts of Georgia and Texas.
   • Crocodiles: Limited to the southern tip of Florida (like the Everglades) and nearby coastal areas, with their range extending into Central and South America.
3. Snout Shape
   • Alligators: Have a broad, U-shaped snout, which is more suited for crushing prey like turtles.
   • Crocodiles: Have a narrower, V-shaped snout, better adapted for catching fish.
4. Teeth Visibility
   • Alligators: When their mouths are closed, their upper jaw covers the lower teeth, so only the upper teeth are visible.
   • Crocodiles: Their upper and lower teeth are visible when their mouths are closed, giving them a toothier appearance.
5. Coloration
   • Alligators: Usually darker, with a blackish-grey coloration.
   • Crocodiles: Tend to be lighter, often with a tan or olive-green hue.
6. Size
   • Alligators: Typically smaller, with males averaging 11-13 feet in length.
   • Crocodiles: Can grow larger, with males sometimes exceeding 15 feet.
7. Behavior
   • Alligators: Generally more docile and shy around humans, though they can still be dangerous if provoked.
   • Crocodiles: Tend to be more aggressive and territorial, posing a greater potential threat to humans.

Bottom Line:

The American alligator thrives in freshwater habitats, has a rounded snout, and a more docile temperament. The American crocodile prefers coastal, brackish, or saltwater habitats, has a narrow snout, and is generally more aggressive. Both species are unique and play vital roles in their ecosystems.