In late March, a crocodile of unknown origin was found in the Everglades. Scientists are still puzzling over this crocodile’s birthplace, but they do know one thing for certain: it’s not the same kind of crocodile you’d commonly see on airboat ride or eco-tour of the Everglades.
Initially, researchers believed it may have escaped from a nearby licensed Nile crocodile breeding facility, which was cause for some alarm. Nile crocodiles, which can grow up to a massive 18 feet in length, are among the last remaining major predators of humans on earth, with as many as 745 attacks reported in a single year. An invasion of this type could not only pose a threat to people within the area, but also to the native species of the Everglades.
However, scientists determined the crocodile was not from this facility, as its link to the other crocs was ruled out with a DNA test. Additionally, this crocodile is much smaller than the average Nile. Now, researchers believe this to be a west African Crocodylus suchus, which ancient Egyptians used as sacrificial offerings to the god Sobek.
Though the creature was ruled out as a massive Nile species, scientists still believe its presence is cause for worry. When this unusual crocodile was found, it was thriving in the waters of the Everglades, growing at an extremely rapid pace. The rich food source provided by the Everglades’ native fish species allowed the croc to live and grow happily, generally without disturbance. They believe there is at least one more of this variety in the Everglades region.
As researchers continue their process of examination and discovery, they hope this issue will not turn into the next Burmese python proliferation. While such a threat is not emergent, it is still a possibility.
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