Are There Crocodiles in Florida’s Everglades? Facts, Myths, and Where to See Them
- Begoñe Cazalis
- Oct 15
- 5 min read
October 15, 2025
The Everglades is the only place on Earth where you can see American alligators and American crocodiles living side-by-side in the wild. Florida is also currently the only state in the U.S. with breeding populations of native crocodiles — specifically, the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus).
In this guide, you’ll discover:
How to tell an alligator from a crocodile
Where crocodiles live in the Everglades
Common myths (and the truth behind them)
Why crocodiles are essential to the ecosystem
The threats they face and how you can help
What is the American Crocodile?
While there are rare occurrences of crocodiles near southern Texas, there’s only one place in the United States where you’ll find wild, breeding populations of native crocodiles — Florida. And within Florida, the American crocodile’s range is limited to the southern tip of the state, including America’s Everglades.
The American crocodile inhabits coastal areas of South Florida — the northern edge of its range. Elsewhere, it’s found in Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, both coasts of southern Mexico and Central America, and as far south as Ecuador and Venezuela.
Key facts about the American crocodile
Males can grow up to 20 feet (though most wild males are closer to 14 feet).
Females average 8–12 feet.
They have a long, muscular tail, short legs, and a V-shaped snout.
Adults are gray-green on top and whitish-yellow underneath.
Even with their mouths closed, you can see all the teeth on both their upper and lower jaw.
Habitat: American crocodiles prefer brackish or saltwater habitats, such as mangrove swamps, coastal ponds, and creeks. Thanks to Florida’s extensive canal system, they sometimes venture into freshwater areas as well.
Behavior: They are ectothermic (cold-blooded), relying on external heat to regulate body temperature. You might see them basking in the sun or “gaping” with their mouths open — a cooling behavior often mistaken for aggression.
What’s the Difference Between an Alligator and a Crocodile?
South Florida is home to two native crocodilian species — the American crocodile and the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). They may look similar, but there are key differences.
1. Appearance:
Feature* | Crocodile | Alligator |
Snout shape | Narrow, V-shaped | Broad, U-shaped |
Teeth visibility | All teeth visible when mouth closed | Mostly hidden when mouth closed |
Toes | Separated | Webbed |
*This is a simplified description of features for the purpose of quick comparison.
2. Habitat:
Alligators: Primarily freshwater habitats.
Crocodiles: Found in both freshwater and brackish water.
Crocodiles tolerate saltwater better than alligators, but hypersaline conditions can reduce their growth and survival.
Are Crocodiles Dangerous? Myths vs. Facts
Many misconceptions surround crocodiles in the Everglades. Let’s set the record straight.
Q: Are crocodiles aggressive toward humans? A: Usually not. American crocodiles are shy and avoid humans. They’re more likely to splash into the water to escape than attack — unless provoked.
Q: How fast are crocodiles? A: Crocodiles can sprint up to about 12 mph for short distances. In water, however, they can reach over 20 mph.
Q: Do crocodiles have small “lizard brains”? A: No. Studies show crocodiles have complex brains, social systems, and even the ability to learn and be trained.
Q: Do crocodiles eat their young? A: Rarely. Mothers often carry hatchlings in their mouths to safety — a sign of parental care, not predation. Males may occasionally cannibalize young, but this is uncommon.
Why Are Crocodiles Important to the Everglades?
Crocodiles aren’t just fascinating to watch — they play a critical role in the ecosystem:
Wetland Engineers – By digging burrows and building nests, they create habitats for other wildlife.
Population Control – As apex predators, they keep prey populations in check.
Ecosystem Health Indicators – Crocodile population trends reflect changes in water flow, salinity, and prey availability, making them key indicators of Everglades health.
Where Do Crocodiles Live in Florida?
Fifty years ago, coastal development limited crocodile nesting to small areas of Florida Bay and Key Largo. Protection efforts have since expanded nesting areas to places like:
Northeastern Florida Bay (Everglades National Park)
Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge (North Key Largo)
Turkey Point Power Plant (managed nesting habitat)
Restoration link: Everglades restoration projects that increase freshwater flow and reduce saltwater intrusion help support crocodile growth, nesting success, and survival rates.
How Do Crocodiles Hunt and Live?
Hunting: Mostly nocturnal, crocodiles detect prey using sensitive receptors around their mouths. They often ambush prey at the water’s edge.
Temperature Control: Crocodiles bask in the sun, cool off in water, or retreat into burrows.
Breeding: Females build and guard nests, help hatchlings emerge, and protect them for weeks or months after birth.
How Did the American Crocodile Recover in Florida?
Listed as endangered in 1975, the American crocodile’s population has grown from just a few hundred to about 2,000 adults today — thanks to habitat protection, Everglades restoration, and public education. It’s now classified as “threatened,” but conservation continues through the:
Florida Multi-Species Recovery Plan,
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), and
Ongoing monitoring of nesting, water conditions, and human impacts
What Threats Do Crocodiles Face Today?
Major threats include:
Habitat loss from development
Water mismanagement affecting salinity and nesting sites
Climate change and sea level rise (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)
Illegal hunting for meat or hides
Invasive species like Burmese pythons competing for prey
Natural disasters such as hurricanes destroying habitat
How Does Everglades Restoration Help Crocodiles?
The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan aims to restore natural water flows, improve salinity, and enhance habitat quality — directly benefiting crocodile populations. Monitoring programs track growth, survival, and nesting success to measure restoration’s impact.
What’s the Future of Crocodiles in the Everglades?
Their survival depends on:
Habitat protection
Everglades restoration
Ongoing monitoring of population trends
Public education to dispel myths and promote coexistence
How Can You Stay Safe When Near Crocodile Habitat in the Everglades?
Stay out of the water.
Keep at least 5 yards from the water’s edge.
Never feed or harass them.
Supervise children and pets near water.
Be cautious at night, dawn, and dusk.
Dispose of fish scraps and bait properly.
Report concerns to Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission: 866-FWC-GATOR.
How Can You Help Protect Crocodiles?
Volunteer – Programs like Everglades National Park’s Volunteer-In-Parks or Crocodile Lake National Refuge always need help.
Reduce your impact – Follow Leave No Trace principles.
Get active – Support Everglades restoration through advocacy.
Learn more – Read about Everglades history and conservation, and follow The Everglades Foundation on social media.
The American crocodile’s comeback proves that conservation works. With continued restoration and protection, these ancient reptiles can remain a thriving part of Florida’s unique natural heritage for generations to come.
Want to learn more?
You’re in the right place. For more than 30 years, The Everglades Foundation has been the premier organization fighting to restore and protect the precious Everglades ecosystem through science, advocacy, and education.
Join the movement to restore and protect the global treasure that is America’s Everglades. Sign up to learn more. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). Give a gift of any amount you can to support our mission at EvergladesFoundation.org/Donate.
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