The Everglades ecosystem is home to the American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). South Florida is the only place in the world where both crocodiles and American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), coexist in the wild. This unique overlap occurs because the Everglades sits at the northernmost point of the crocodile’s range and the southernmost point of the alligator’s range.
American Crocodiles in the Everglades
The American Crocodile is the sole species of crocodile found in the United States. The Florida population represents the northern limit of its distribution, which extends throughout the Caribbean and into Central and South America. These reptiles have been part of the South Florida environment for centuries, though their numbers have always been relatively small compared to the more abundant American Alligator.
The species generally remains elusive, contributing to the perception of their rarity among visitors. They are characterized by a grayish-green color, contrasting with the darker, almost black coloration of the alligator. The American Crocodile is far less numerous than the alligator, making sightings less frequent.
Crocodiles vs. Alligators
Distinguishing between the two native crocodilians involves observing physical characteristics, especially the shape of the snout and the visibility of teeth. Crocodiles possess a longer, more tapered, V-shaped snout, which is narrower than the broad, rounded, U-shaped snout of the alligator. This structural difference is one of the most reliable ways to tell them apart.
Another telling feature is how the teeth align when the mouth is closed, which gives the crocodile a signature “toothy grin.” In the crocodile, the large fourth tooth on the lower jaw remains visible, fitting into a notch on the outside of the upper jaw. Conversely, the alligator’s upper jaw is wider and completely conceals the lower teeth. Crocodiles also tend to be lighter in color, appearing more greenish-gray or tan, while alligators are typically dark gray to almost black.
Specific Habitat Preferences
The primary reason these two large reptiles can coexist without extensive competition is their different tolerance levels for salinity. American Crocodiles possess highly functional salt glands on their tongues, allowing them to excrete excess salt efficiently. This adaptation means they thrive in brackish and saltwater environments.
Consequently, crocodiles are predominantly found in the coastal regions of the Everglades, including mangrove swamps, estuaries, Florida Bay, and the Florida Keys. Alligators, however, lack this efficient salt gland mechanism and generally prefer the freshwater sloughs and marshes further inland. This habitat segregation based on salinity minimizes direct conflict and competition for resources.
Population Status and Safety Concerns
The Florida population of the American Crocodile has demonstrated a significant conservation success story. Due to overhunting and habitat loss, the species was listed as federally endangered in 1975, with only a few hundred individuals remaining. Subsequent protection under the Endangered Species Act led to a recovery in their numbers.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service downgraded the species’ status in Florida to threatened in 2007, reflecting an increase in their population to an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 adults. American Crocodiles are naturally shy and reclusive and will typically retreat from human presence. Encounters are rare, and while any large reptile should be treated with caution, attacks on humans by American Crocodiles in Florida are extremely uncommon.