By: Kristen Hernandez
Beach goers received a huge shock on Tuesday, when a large crocodile was spotted swimming among the pillars of the Pompano Beach Fisher Family Pier. Lifeguards quickly cleared the shore and raised the double flags and closed the beach to swimmers after the sighting.
A social media post by the city of Pompano Beach said the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was notified.
Local resident and owner of fishing charter Reel Nauti Assets, Sean Martin, reached out to Villij News and let us know that he spotted the same large reptile just a few days prior.
“It’s really not rare to see crocs here,” Martin said. “I saw one the last time I went down to Peanut Island, but they’re also spotted throughout Miami.”
While most associate crocodiles with brackish or swamp waters, crocs can make their way into ocean water though the dozens of canals throughout the area. The Pompano Beach visitor perhaps reached the beach from the Intracoastal Waterway through an inlet, like the Hillsboro Inlet, which is only about two miles away from where he was water-bathing. It’s also possible that the crocodile simply walked over for a swim.
“American crocodiles live in coastal areas throughout the Caribbean and occur at the northern end of their range in South Florida and the Keys,” the FWC posted on its website. “They occur in brackish or saltwater areas and can be found in ponds, coves, and creeks in mangrove swamps.”
American crocodiles are generally shy and reclusive, according to the FWC. In 1975, American crocodiles were listed as an endangered species, but have since recovered from several hundred to now about 2,000 across the United States. The Florida native is now classified as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Florida FWC has created a Crocodile/Alligator Nuisance Hotline. If you are concerned about a crocodile or alligator, they’ll dispatch a contracted nuisance crocodile trapper to resolve the situation. Any less than 4 feet in length are not large enough to be dangerous to people or pets, unless handled.
If you spot one while swimming in our beaches, alert nearby beach staff members or call the FWC. For beachgoers, it serves as a stark reminder that when swimming in our ocean water, you’re swimming with unknown sea creatures that should always be respected.
