Nile, Cuban and Saltwater Crocs – Oh, My!
Gatorland offers many opportunities to see crocodiles. These majestic creatures live side-by-side with our American Alligators. You can tell them apart because crocodiles have lighter skin and a pointed snout, whereas alligators have a large rounded nose. Plus, when a crocodile’s mouth is closed you can see both upper and lower teeth, but with alligators, typically only the upper teeth are visible. These cold-blooded reptiles can be seen sunning themselves on the banks of the lakes within the park, often with their mouths wide open. While they may look like they’re plotting to pluck a bird from the air, they’re actually just trying to regulate their body temperature.
Be sure to visit our Jungle Crocs Of The World℠ area, located just behind the Breeding Marsh. Here you’ll find Nile, Cuban and Saltwater Crocodiles.
American Crocodiles are a recovering species in Florida, mostly found in the southern part of the state. They’re reclusive and hide in coastal lagoons and mangrove swamps. They can also be found in Southern Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America. And don’t miss Bonescrusher℠, our giant American crocodile located in the southern part of Gatorland. He is the son of the original Bonecrusher℠, who ruled Gatorland in the 1950’s and 1960’s. In fact, Gatorland founder, Owen Godwin, offered a $1,000 reward for anyone that could find a bigger crocodile than Ol’ Bonecrusher℠ . And guess what? He never lost that $1,000 offer!
It is true that crocodiles tend to be more aggressive than alligators, so if you run across either one in the wild, stay away!
