Your Daily Dish

Feeding Outrageous to you Daily

Hide Advertisement
  • Animals
    • Farm
    • Pets
    • Zoo
    • Wildlife
  • Family
    • Grandparents
    • Kids
    • Parents
  • Health
    • Exercise
    • Food
    • Medical
  • Humor
  • Lifestyle
    • News
    • Science & Tech
    • Travel
  • Videos
Site logo
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Lifestyle

Deadly Man-Eating Nile Crocodiles Found in Florida

By Margo Gothelf 2 min read
  • # animals
  • # Herpetological Conservation and Biology
  • # Kenneth Krysko
Advertisement - Continue reading below
Source: Barcroft / Via Getty Images
Source; Georgios Kefalas
Source; Georgios Kefalas

It looks like the Sunshine State has some new and dangerous guests.

Three juvenile Nile crocodiles were found in Florida during a four-year study conducted by the University of Florida in Miami-Dade and Hendry County. Two of the crocs were found swimming in the Everglades, while the third was just hanging out on the porch of a house in Miami. However, researchers bet there are more swimming throughout the area.

Advertisement

While Florida is accustomed to crocodiles, the Nile croc is known to be larger and far more aggressive than American crocodiles, which alarms scientists the most.

“The odds that the few of us who study Florida reptiles have found all of the Nile crocs out there is probably unlikely,” Kenneth Krysko, co-author of the research study, shared in a statement.

“We know that they can survive in the Florida wilderness for numerous years, we know that they grow quickly here and we know their behavior in their native range, and there is no reason to suggest that would change here in Florida.”

But how did the crocodiles end up in Florida?

Source: Julian W/Shutterstock.
Source: Julian W/Shutterstock.

“They didn’t swim from Africa,”  Krysko explained. “But we really don’t know how they got into the wild.”

DNA evidence published in the peer-reviewed journal Herpetological Conservation and Biology explained that the crocs were likely brought over from Africa as part of an exotic pet trade,
explained BuzzFeed News. The study also explained that groups of Nile crocodiles have previously been brought to Florida to be put on display for zoological attractions, like Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

One of the Nile crocs was captured and released during the study and then later recaptured two years after to study the growth of the animal. By recapturing the animal, scientists were able to see how the animal was able to survive in Florida’s environment.

The Nile crocodiles, who are native to Africa, can reach up to 20 feet and are more aggressive than the typical crocodiles found living in that area. In the wild, the animals are known to eat anything “from zebras, buffalo, hippos, and humans.” From 2010 to 2014, the crocs were responsible for 480 attacks and 123 human deaths, shared IFL Science. The species also show no mercy when it comes to American crocodiles, who are already endangered.

“My hope as a biologist is that the introduction of Nile crocodiles in Florida opens everyone’s eyes to the problem of invasive species that we have here in our state,” Krysko said. “Now here’s another one, but this time it isn’t just a tiny house gecko from Africa.”

Advertisement - Continue reading below

Each Year Mom Humiliates Kids With Back to School Photos for a Good Laugh
Trending
Margo Gothelf 1 min read

Each Year Mom Humiliates Kids With Back to School Photos for a Good Laugh

From The Ugly American File: Two California Girls Deface Rome Colosseum In Pursuit Of Selfie
News
Rick Meyerson 2 min read

From The Ugly American File: Two California Girls Deface Rome Colosseum In Pursuit Of Selfie

John Krasinski Shows Off New Jacked Look On ‘Men’s Health’ Cover
Entertainment
Margo Gothelf 2 min read

John Krasinski Shows Off New Jacked Look On ‘Men’s Health’ Cover

Dogs Spooning With Cat Will Melt Your Heart
Lifestyle
Lauren Boudreau 1 min read

Dogs Spooning With Cat Will Melt Your Heart

Big Dog Embraces His Tiny Bed That Was Accidentally Bought for Him
Lifestyle
Margo Gothelf 2 min read

Big Dog Embraces His Tiny Bed That Was Accidentally Bought for Him

Moderators Announced for All the Presidential Debates
Apple
Jason Owen 1 min read

Moderators Announced for All the Presidential Debates

Dog ‘Rescues’ Owner From Pile of Leaves
Humor
Daniella Babaee 1 min read

Dog ‘Rescues’ Owner From Pile of Leaves

Woman’s Starbucks Story Is Inspiring Thousands With Her Bravery
Entertainment
Jason Owen 2 min read

Woman’s Starbucks Story Is Inspiring Thousands With Her Bravery

99-Million-Year-Old Lizard Deemed Reptile ‘Missing Link’
News
Brian Delpozo 1 min read

99-Million-Year-Old Lizard Deemed Reptile ‘Missing Link’

Orlando Hospitals Will Not Bill Survivors of Pulse Nightclub Shooting
News
Margo Gothelf 2 min read

Orlando Hospitals Will Not Bill Survivors of Pulse Nightclub Shooting

Healthy Easter Treats for Your Kids’ Basket Instead of Candy
Food
Lauren Boudreau 3 min read

Healthy Easter Treats for Your Kids’ Basket Instead of Candy

‘The Magnificent Seven’ Win Weekend Box Office Duel
Apple
Sara Wilkins 2 min read

‘The Magnificent Seven’ Win Weekend Box Office Duel

Subscribe to our newsletter

* indicates required

sidebar

ADVERTISEMENT
Latest

Watch as Routine Traffic Stop Turns Into Best Secret Santa Gift Shop
Lifestyle
Margo Gothelf 2 min read

Watch as Routine Traffic Stop Turns Into Best Secret Santa Gift Shop

FSU Football Player Draws Cheers After Lunching With Autistic Boy Sitting Alone
Trending
Mauricio Castillo 2 min read

FSU Football Player Draws Cheers After Lunching With Autistic Boy Sitting Alone

Wyoming Sheriff’s Department to Give Christmas Cash to Do-Gooders
Lifestyle
Robin Milling 2 min read

Wyoming Sheriff’s Department to Give Christmas Cash to Do-Gooders

Subscribe to our newsletter

* indicates required
ADVERTISEMENT

sidebar-alt

  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • For Advertisers