American Crocodile

Crocodylus acutus

Usually not more than 15 feet long in the U.S., this species may have reached 23 feet in South America. The adult's diet includes crabs, fish (especially mullet), raccoons, and waterbirds. The female croc buries her eggs in a mound of dirt and plant matter. She returns to the nest when she hears the sounds of the hatchlings and opens the nest cavity. Then she carefully picks up the young in her mouth and, in a series of trips, carries them to water. Adult American Crocodiles are sometimes found in the ocean, but young ones prefer to stay in fresh water where rivers drain into bays.

Look For : A grayish-green or brown reptile with dark bands across body and tail. Snout narrow. Large fourth tooth in bottom jaw shows when mouth is shut.

Length : 7-15'.

Habitat : Mangrove swamps, brackish bays.

Range : Coastal southern Florida and Florida Keys.