American Crocodile

Crocodylus acutus

American crocodiles are well-armored with tough, scaly skin. They are gray-green or olive-green with long, slender snouts, which distinguish them from their cousin, the alligator. Also unlike the alligator, the fourth tooth on the bottom jaw of the American crocodile is visible when its mouth is closed. South Florida is the only place in which the crocodile and the alligator occur together.

Length 7-15 feet
Weight 150-450 lbs

Lifespan 60-70 years

Diet

Small fish, invertebrates, reptiles, birds and mammals

Population

There are more than 1,000 American crocodiles, not including hatchlings, in Florida.

Range

American crocodiles are found in southern Florida, the Caribbean, southern Mexico and along the Central American coast south to Venezuela.

Behavior

American crocodiles inhabit brackish and saltwater habitats and are typically found in coastal mangrove wetlands, ponds, coves, creeks and canals. Decidedly less aggressive than the infamous Nile and Australian crocodiles, American crocodiles are shy, reclusive and rarely seen by people.

Reproduction
Mating Season January and February
Gestation 2-3 month egg incubation
Clutch size 35-50 eggs
In April or May, the female crocodile will build a nest of loose dirt in a mound by the water's edge and lay her eggs. She buries the eggs and fiercely guards her nest. When the eggs hatch in July or early August, the female helps carry her young to the water, but, unlike the alligator, she will not continue to care for her young.

Global Warming and Other Threats

Once hunted intensively for their hides, today, loss of habitat to human development, illegal killing and roadkill are the greatest threats faced by American crocodiles. As sea level rises due to climate change, a significant portion of crocodiles’ coastal wetland habitat may face saltwater incursion or inundation.

Legal Status/Protection

Listed federally as Endangered and by the State as Endangered. *Endangered Species Act; Florida Endangered and Threatened Species Act; Florida Administrative Code; **CITES Appendix I.

* The Endangered Species Act requires the U.S. federal government to identify species threatened with extinction, identify habitat they need to survive, and help protect both. In doing so, the Act works to ensure the basic health of our natural ecosystems and protect the legacy of conservation we leave to our children and grandchildren.

**Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, an international treaty with 172 member countries. Appendix I listed species cannot be traded commercially. Appendix II listed species can be traded commercially only if it does not harm their survival.

How You Can Help

Help American Crocodiles and other wildlife by adopting an animal at our Wildlife Adoption Center.
Take Action for Wildlife at our Wildlife Action Center.