MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A petition and survey are making their way through communities around Highland Oaks Park in northeast Miami-Dade regarding recent crocodile encounters.
The petition asks for action from Miami-Dade County and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission about what residents call “a growing safety concern” involving the presence of at least three American crocodiles, which are federally protected.
“It’s an unnecessary risk for our children,” said resident Sam Cohen, who created the petition. “There are more crocodiles in the area. That’s leading to more disruptions - and in my opinion - to more risk.”
The petition goes on to explain in detail how in less than 30 days, there have been two more incidents where the animals left the park and made it to residential doorsteps.
A resident in the area of Northeast 209th Street and 24th Avenue reportedly pulled out a rifle after crossing paths with a croc in January. A second encounter was also reported. Another video obtained by Local 10 shows at least three of them at Highland Oaks Park, which boasts a playground, a walking path and borders two different schools and neighborhoods.
Several longtime residents in the Highland Lakes community, said they want the crocs to stay and noted they’ve never had issues with the animals before.
Other residents however said they’ve noticed the animals wandering more often. Park goers expressed concerns about the population of these animals growing in this one specific area, filled with children and families.
“This is a very tame crocodile,” said Cohen. “It’s calm — but it’s still a large carnivore. Why are we exposing ourselves to a scenario where a kid is going to drop a ball in the marshes. Or why are we going to disrupt daily life whenever a crocodile roams around the neighborhood.”
Crocodile attacks are very rare in Florida, as the American crocodile is a shy and reclusive species, known to avoid human beings.
The FWC told Local 10 it is looking into the matter.
“The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is aware of the crocodiles inhabiting Highland Oaks Park and is working with the community and park staff to address the situation. People with concerns about a crocodile should call the FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286), and we will work with you to resolve the situation.”
The FWC also sent more information about American crocodiles along with tips for area residents who are concerned about encounters:
American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) are native to south Florida and the Keys and were federally listed as an endangered species in 1975. Florida crocodile populations have rebounded from a few hundred individuals to as many as 2,000 adult crocodiles today. American crocodiles are currently classified as a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. While American crocodiles are found in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, Florida is the only place in the United States where people can see them in the wild.
While Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) in Africa and saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in the Indo-Pacific are usually involved in more frequent human-crocodile interactions, the American crocodile is a shy and reclusive species.
Conflicts between American crocodiles and people are extremely rare in Florida due to their relatively small population numbers and wariness of people. Only two bite incidents have been documented in Florida. Crocodile sightings have increased in recent years for a few reasons. The crocodile population in Florida is increasing as a result of their population recovery, being seen in locations that they haven’t been to in decades, along with the growing number of people living and spending time on or near Florida’s waters.
By taking simple precautionary measures when in or near the water, people can reduce the chances of conflicts with crocodiles:
- Keep a safe distance if you see a crocodile. If someone is concerned about a crocodile, they should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286), and we will work with you to accurately assess the situation and respond appropriately.
- Keep pets on a leash and small children away from the water’s edge, especially during nighttime hours, to avoid cases of mistaken identity. Pets often resemble crocodiles’ natural prey.
- Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours and without your pet. Crocodiles are most active between dusk and dawn.
- Never feed a crocodile – it is illegal and dangerous. When fed, crocodiles can lose their natural wariness of people and instead learn to associate people with the availability of food. This includes indirect feeding, which can happen when feeding other wildlife or when fishing or improperly disposing of fish scraps.