(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); This was because it wasn’t an American alligator or an Everglades alligator, but a Nile crocodile. The Nile crocodile is presently the most common crocodilian in Africa, and is distributed throughout much of the continent. Between 2002 and 2004, the researchers have studied populations of crocodiles in the state. The discovery of Nile crocodiles in Florida has brought more attention to the broader issue of invasive species. After several hours, the team zeroed in on the crocodile, with nets. Speaking with Newsweek via email, a spokeswoman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission points out that because Nile crocodiles are exotic animals, Floridians must have permits for them and report if they escape. These officials conduct regular routine inspections and surveys to look out for exotic and invasive species. Show Clips. The most likely explanation is that an animal trader brought them illegally to Florida, where he hoped to keep them as pets, or worse, planned to breed them. The first, a hatchling, was found on a front porch and sent to a Louisiana reptile exhibit. The Nile crocodile’s presence isn’t prevalent quite yet, but it could very well be soon enough if this toxic trade doesn’t come to an end. Using DNA analysis, University of Florida researchers have confirmed the capture of multiple Nile crocodiles in the wild. Final Thoughts They could probably survive anywhere in Florida. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); © The notable difference between the two species is that the former can grow considerably larger in size, as mentioned above. On its native continent of Africa, it is known as a vicious man-eater that claims around 200 lives per year. At least two Nile crocodiles native to Africa have been found living in the wild in Florida — with more possibly lurking — where they pose a threat to the already fragile Everglades ecosystem and could cause serious injury to … Does Florida have crocs? The Nile crocodile, which inhabits sub-Saharan Africa, can grow to 21 feet long and weigh one and a half tons. It certainly didn’t swim across the Atlantic, so here’s what you need to know. About the Nile Crocodile Still, the species is considered a state-wide threat due to its potentially dangerous impact. After a long and strenuous chase, they finally managed to capture the reptile. What is more, Florida has a reputation for illegal exotic animal holding. When the researchers located the crocodile in a canal, Mazzotti recalls, the question on everyone's mind was whether it was "going to come willingly." Liveandgive4x4 went to the beautiful Everglades National Park and while Stand Up Paddling they had a scary encounter with a big crocodile. Among crocodilians today, only the saltwater crocodile occurs over a broader geographic area, although other species, especially the spectacled caiman(Caiman crocodilus) (due to its small size and extreme adaptability in habitat and flexibility in diet), seem to actually be more abundant. Their predatory tendencies have earned them the reputation as one of the biggest threats to humans and wildlife alike. If you did not know, Nile Crocodiles are primarily found in the Nile River in Africa. That's because it wasn't the typical American crocodile native to the area, but a Nile croc, native to parts of Africa. Nile Crocs can get up to 20 feet long and kill about 200 people in Africa every year. Previously, using DNA analysis, they found three Nile crocs: one was a foot long hatchling sitting on a porch in Miami. Fish and Wildlife Service, says by email. The researchers say these are the first documented cases of Nile crocodiles in Florida out of captivity. Still, up to this point there haven’t been too many cases similar to this. In an interesting twist, the captured crocodiles are all related to each other, but not to any other Nile crocodiles kept (legally) in Florida, at licensed attractions like Disney’s Animal Kingdom.