Nature & Environment
Aggressive, Human Eating Nile Crocodiles Invade Florida
Erika Ivene Verder Columna
First Posted: May 24, 2016 02:33 AM EDT
Nile crocodiles are known to have come from Sub-Saharan Africa. This specific species of crocodile is the second largest reptile in the world, next to the saltwater crocodile. Crocodiles of this type can be very aggressive and easily preys on any kind of animal within its reach, even humans.
According to New York Times, Nile crocodiles can grow as long as 21 feet and become quite as heavy as 1 1/2 tons. Recently, about 4 Nile crocodiles were found in different parts of Florida, although not yet as large as how huge they can get.
These crocodiles can be very invasive and since it has come all the way from Africa to the city streets of Florida, there's a huge chance that a larger group would be present in no time. In as early as 2009, scientists obtained reports from residents of a different kind of crocodile, reports Live Science.
These sightings continued up to 2012, and just recently 3 "man-eating, monster crocodiles" were caught, one of which was captured on a home porch in Miami, according to BBC World News.
Through deep studies and research, they found out that these "unusual looking" crocodiles were part of the Crocodylus niloticus family, famously known as the Nile crocodiles. A particular group of scientists convened to focus on this study, known as the Molecular Analyses Confiming the Introduction of Nile Crocodiles in Southern Florida. This study tackles how these crocodiles from Africa may impact and affect the Floridian community.
Some reports say that the native crocodiles in Florida, American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), may get overpowered and outnumbered by the Nile crocodiles in the near future. As a result, this more aggressive and invasive species of crocodiles may continue roaming about the state and God knows what might happen.
However, there's no need to worry. Scientists behind the study confirmed that they haven't found any evidence of the Nile's extablished population in the waters of Florida. It's safe to say, for now, that the recent sightings may just be isolated cases, coincidences, and just those Nile crocodiles caught years before that has grown.
In a statement made by the herpetology collections manager at the Florida Museum of Natural History and co-author of the study, Kenneth Krysko, he said that although there are no evidences found yet and no one needs to get worried, people in Florida shouldn't also keep their guards down. Florida's pet trade that involves exotic, wild animals and the recent demand for this type of crocodile in natural parks, no one can assure that, as strong and aggressive as they are, they couldn't find a way out. And if they do, they would find out that the Florida weather is conducive for their hunting and growing lifestyle.
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First Posted: May 24, 2016 02:33 AM EDT
Nile crocodiles are known to have come from Sub-Saharan Africa. This specific species of crocodile is the second largest reptile in the world, next to the saltwater crocodile. Crocodiles of this type can be very aggressive and easily preys on any kind of animal within its reach, even humans.
According to New York Times, Nile crocodiles can grow as long as 21 feet and become quite as heavy as 1 1/2 tons. Recently, about 4 Nile crocodiles were found in different parts of Florida, although not yet as large as how huge they can get.
These crocodiles can be very invasive and since it has come all the way from Africa to the city streets of Florida, there's a huge chance that a larger group would be present in no time. In as early as 2009, scientists obtained reports from residents of a different kind of crocodile, reports Live Science.
These sightings continued up to 2012, and just recently 3 "man-eating, monster crocodiles" were caught, one of which was captured on a home porch in Miami, according to BBC World News.
Through deep studies and research, they found out that these "unusual looking" crocodiles were part of the Crocodylus niloticus family, famously known as the Nile crocodiles. A particular group of scientists convened to focus on this study, known as the Molecular Analyses Confiming the Introduction of Nile Crocodiles in Southern Florida. This study tackles how these crocodiles from Africa may impact and affect the Floridian community.
Some reports say that the native crocodiles in Florida, American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), may get overpowered and outnumbered by the Nile crocodiles in the near future. As a result, this more aggressive and invasive species of crocodiles may continue roaming about the state and God knows what might happen.
However, there's no need to worry. Scientists behind the study confirmed that they haven't found any evidence of the Nile's extablished population in the waters of Florida. It's safe to say, for now, that the recent sightings may just be isolated cases, coincidences, and just those Nile crocodiles caught years before that has grown.
In a statement made by the herpetology collections manager at the Florida Museum of Natural History and co-author of the study, Kenneth Krysko, he said that although there are no evidences found yet and no one needs to get worried, people in Florida shouldn't also keep their guards down. Florida's pet trade that involves exotic, wild animals and the recent demand for this type of crocodile in natural parks, no one can assure that, as strong and aggressive as they are, they couldn't find a way out. And if they do, they would find out that the Florida weather is conducive for their hunting and growing lifestyle.
See Now: NASA's Juno Spacecraft's Rendezvous With Jupiter's Mammoth Cyclone