Man saved following encounter with crocodile in the Everglades
A man who found himself in distress while swimming towards the shore after his sailboat overturned in Everglades National Park was rescued following an apparent encounter with an American crocodile, as reported by the National Park Service.
A man who was attempting to swim to shore after his sailboat capsized at Everglades National Park was bitten by an American crocodile, as per a news release from the National Park Service.
Rangers were alerted to the incident at around 4:43 p.m. on Sunday, after receiving a report that the man had been seen going underwater at Flamingo Marina, situated in the southern area of the park near the Florida Straits.
The rangers successfully rescued a 68-year-old man and treated a cut on his leg.
They collaborated with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to take the man to the hospital. He was in stable condition when handed over to EMS providers.
“Rangers and park biologists are continuing to investigate the incident and monitor the suspected crocodile, which is easily identifiable,” the release said.
American crocodiles vs. alligators
An American crocodile relaxes in Shark Valley of Everglades National Park on February 3, 2023. Attacks on humans by American crocodiles in Florid are extremely rare.
An American crocodile relaxes in Shark Valley of Everglades National Park on February 3, 2023. Attacks on humans by American crocodiles in Florid are extremely rare.
The American crocodile is considered a federally threatened species by the National Park Service. It is often confused with the American alligator due to their similar appearances. However, it is important to note that they are actually different species facing very different situations.
There are approximately 2,000 adult crocodiles in the mainland United States, mainly found along the coastlines of central and southern Florida. American crocodiles can also be seen in coastal areas of Caribbean islands, Mexico, and South America.
In contrast, there are around 5 million wild American alligators scattered across 10 states in Southeast and beyond, including parts of North Carolina and the extreme southeastern tip of Oklahoma.
American Alligator in Everglades National Park, Florida.
American Alligator in Everglades National Park, Florida.
James Abernethy/Future Publishing/Getty Images
Related article
American crocodiles are known to be shy and reclusive creatures, according to the FFWCC. In Florida, attacks on humans by crocodiles are extremely rare. So, how can you survive an alligator attack or, even better, prevent one from happening in the first place?
Worldwide is a different matter – about 1,000 deaths a year are attributed to crocodile attacks in places such as Africa, mainland Asia, Indonesia and Australia.
Editor's P/S:
The news of a man being bitten by an American crocodile in Everglades National Park highlights the importance of understanding the differences between these two reptile species. While both crocodiles and alligators inhabit Florida, their populations, behaviors, and habitats vary significantly.
American crocodiles are federally threatened, with a much smaller population than alligators. They are primarily found in coastal areas, while alligators are more widespread, inhabiting both freshwater and brackish water environments. Crocodiles are generally shy and avoid contact with humans, but attacks can occur when they feel threatened. It's crucial to remember that wildlife encounters are unpredictable, and it's essential to observe wildlife from a safe distance and avoid disturbing their natural behaviors. help inform our interactions and avoid potential encounters. The fact that American crocodiles are shy and elusive creatures should not lead to a false sense of security, but rather instill a cautious approach when exploring areas where they may be present.
