EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK – Fun fact: There are both alligators and crocodiles in Everglades National Park. Crocodiles are more commonly associated with Australia and Africa. But there are also American crocodiles, and wildlife experts estimate there are as many as 2,000 living in Florida. That’s a remarkable comeback from 1975 when there were just 300. The species is classified as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Experts say more crocodile sightings are likely across Florida as housing development expands into their areas, even though they’re considered shy and reclusive.
An interesting tidbit: If you hear a crocodile splash into the water, they were probably startled. Crocodiles prefer to enter the water quietly.
So how do you tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator? The most identifiable trait is a narrow, tapered snout on a crocodile (pictured above left) while alligators have a broad, rounded snout (pictured above right). Alligators also tend to appear black in color, while crocodiles are grayish green.
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