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Are there crocodiles in Florida beaches?

While a crocodile in the ocean may seem like a rare sight, University of Florida endangered species researcher Frank Mazzotti told NBC 6 South Florida that it is common for crocodiles in Florida to swim out of swamps into inlets and the ocean.



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South Florida is the only place you can find both animals in the wild. To distinguish the two, alligators have a more U-shaped snout while crocodiles have a more pointed or V-shaped one.

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The species usually does not attack people as regularly as Old World crocodiles do; the estimated number of attacks is considerably smaller than those by the saltwater (C. porosus) and Nile crocodiles (C. niloticus), which are considered the most aggressive crocodilians towards humans.

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Rip currents are another concern that beachgoers should be aware of. Strong rip currents increase the risk of drowning. According to the National Weather Service, the risk for rip currents is moderate or high for all South Florida beaches and most of the remainder of the state.

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