Avoid These Dangerous Gator And Crocodile-Infested U.S. Waters
By NICK VRCHOTICKY
Wildlife expert Ranger Rob says humans encroaching on natural habitats have begun to drive alligators and crocodiles into more urban waters, such as the canals.
South Florida Canals
Per The Guardian, two late-night swimmers were attacked by a 9-foot crocodile in a South Florida canal in 2014 after leaving a house party but luckily had only minor injuries.
After a crocodile snatched a large dog from the edge of a canal in Key Largo in 2012, the state hired trappers to drive the crocs from residential areas.
Florida Keys
Hurricane Ian's flood waters turned Key Largo areas into a reptilian nightmare. According to Keys Weekly, crocs were seen swimming down the streets of neighborhoods.
The Everglades are home to gators like American crocodiles exceeding 14 feet in length, the invasive South American caiman, and even the Nile crocodile.
Florida Everglades
Nile crocs are much bigger and more aggressive than American alligators or crocodiles. They're so fierce that hippos and giraffes have been among their prey.
Oklahoma has a minimal gator population, with less than a few hundred along the Texas border in the Red Slough and Little River wetlands.
In The Heartland
With recorded gator attacks few to none, not everyone realizes that they live in Oklahoma year-round. That lack of awareness increases their danger.
This lake has swimming and fishing, but visitors should remain vigilant when on or near the water as the alligators that inhabit it have attacked before.
Lake Maurepas
In July 2022, a local family didn't see a camouflaged alligator when they came to shore while boating. A 6-year-old boy was attacked, suffering bite wounds on his feet.