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Scientific Name: Crocodylus acutus
Appearance:
Commonly called a "croc", the American Crocodile is a large reptile where males of the species can grow to over 20 feet in size and up to 2,000 pounds in weight. Now that's a big croc! The average is considerably smaller, ranging from 7 to 15 feet and weighing up to 500 pounds.
Crocodiles are sometimes confused with alligators but it is fairly easy to tell the difference. Crocs are lighter in color and are usually green-gray while alligators are considerably darker. Crocs have long narrow snouts and alligators have broad, rounder snouts. When a croc closes its mouth, you'll see both upper and lower teeth. With alligators you only see the upper teeth.
Range:
In the US, crocodiles are found at the very southern tip of Florida, primarily in the Everglades, Florida Bay and the Florida Keys. Outside of the US, the American Crocodile can be found Central America, Southern Mexico and Colombia. Crocodiles prefer brackish and saltwater habitats and mangrove wetlands, ponds, coves, creeks and canals.
Diet:
Crocodiles, like alligators, will eat just about anything but their primary diet is fish, reptiles, birds, turtles, snakes and amphibians.
Reproduction:
Mating season is typically January and February. The female crocodile will build a nest of by the water's edge and lay her eggs. When the eggs hatch in July, the female carries her young to the water and like the alligator, she will continue to care for her young for the first year or so.
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Tips that will make animal viewing at Gatorama a better experience:
- Stay quiet and move slowly along the boardwalk
- Do not yell or try to scare the animals
- Animals have certain times when they are most active. Ask us for best viewing times.
- Animals are not toys
Visit Gatorama and have a good time. Tell 'um that Goliath sent you.
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