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Hot Croc in the City

Since the 1970s, both human and crocodile populations in Florida have been on the rise. Over the past 15 years in particular, more people have settled in areas where American crocodiles live, especially in south Florida and the Keys. With more humans and crocodiles sharing space, it’s no surprise that encounters between the two have increased. That’s why our Foundation awarded a $41,614 grant, funded by purchases of the Conserve Wildlife license plate, to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to prevent conflict and keep both species safe.

Why This Research Matters

A 2021 survey revealed that nearly a quarter of Floridians living in crocodile territory didn’t even know crocodiles were present in the state—let alone how to live safely alongside them. American crocodiles may not get as much attention as their more famous cousins, the alligators, but they play a critical role in Florida’s coastal ecosystems, like tidal flats and saltwater marshes.

Historically, when people encounter crocodiles in their yards, canals, or even swimming pools, the response is often to remove or relocate the animal. But relocation isn’t always the best solution—it can be stressful for the crocodile and doesn’t guarantee it won’t return to developed areas. That’s why FWC’s research is focused on understanding how crocodiles move through urbanized environments and finding long-term strategies to reduce encounters.

Tracking Crocodiles with High-Tech Tools

Between October 2022 and February 2024, researchers successfully captured and tagged 15 adult crocodiles living in urban areas across Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Brevard counties. These crocodiles were fitted with GPS and VHF transmitters, allowing the team to track their movements and collect valuable data on their daily routines. Each crocodile’s location was recorded 12 times per day, giving insight into when and where they moved, how often they crossed roads, and which habitats they preferred.

Early Findings

Initial tracking data revealed some fascinating patterns:

  • Home ranges varied greatly: Depending on how urbanized their environment was, crocodiles ranged from 30 to 4200 acres. Crocodiles in highly developed areas tended to have smaller home ranges, while those near larger natural waterways roamed farther.
  • Selective use of habitat: Many crocodiles were observed spending most of their time in a few key areas while using other spaces primarily as travel corridors.

The data collected so far highlights just how much human development influences crocodile behavior. But the study isn’t over yet—five of the tagged crocodiles are still being tracked, and final analyses will include additional findings on road crossings and habitat connectivity.

What’s Next?

This project is already yielding valuable information that can be used to shape future land management and development in Florida. Potential applications include:

  • Safer road crossings: Identifying common road crossing points could lead to better solutions, such as wildlife underpasses or adjusted speed limits.
  • Habitat preservation: Understanding which areas crocodiles use most frequently can guide efforts to protect key habitats.
  • Public education: By learning more about when and where crocodiles are most active, FWC can improve educational outreach to help Floridians feel more comfortable living near these impressive reptiles.

How You Can Help

Interested in supporting more projects like this? Purchase your Conserve Wildlife license plate today or make a donation to our Foundation. Together, we can ensure a future where both humans and crocodiles can safely share our state. 

 

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