Florida has two native species of crocodilians, the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). These federally protected species are easily confused with nonnative crocodilians found in south Florida, such as the spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) and the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). Some key features used to distinguish these animals are the shape of the head, the shape of the snout, and the pattern of nuchal scutes (bony plates in between head and shoulders). It is important to report all nonnative crocodilians so that researchers may quickly remove them in order to protect Florida’s native ecosystems.

All crocodile sightings (native and nonnative) should also be reported to University of Florida by calling (954) 577-6304.

American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) – NATIVE

Very common in Florida; not necessary to report. Snout is much more broad and rounded than that of crocodiles; only the top row of teeth is visible when the mouth is closed. Adults are a dark, dusky olive-black color.

Figure 1.

Alligator head.

Credit:

Brian Jeffery, University of Florida

[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

Figure 2.

Alligator.

Credit:

Brian Jeffery, University of Florida

[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

Spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) – NONNATIVE

Please report to IveGot1! Similar to the American alligator but with a triangular head and slightly more pointed snout. “Spectacle” ridge on the snout in front of eyes. Dark brown or olive coloration.

Figure 3.

Spectacled caiman head.

Credit:

Joe Wasilewski, Natural Selections of South Florida,Inc.

[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

Figure 4.

Spectacled caiman.

Credit:

Mike Rochford, University of Florida

[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

Crocodiles of South Florida

Crocodiles (Fig. 5) are sometimes confused with alligators (Fig. 6), however they are easily distinguishable by comparing their heads/snouts. Crocodiles have a pointed, narrow snout and their bottom teeth are visible when the mouth is closed. Alligators have a rounded, blunt snout and only the top teeth are visible when the mouth is closed.

Figure 5.

American crocodile head.

Credit:

Jemeema Carrigan, University of Florida

[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

Figure 6.

American alligator head.

Credit:

Jemeema Carrigan, University of Florida

[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) - NATIVE

Please report to University of Florida. Narrow, pointed snout; fourth tooth on bottom row is visible when the mouth is closed. Irregular pattern of nuchal scutes (bony plates in between head and shoulders). Dark olive-brown and dark olive-green.

Figure 7.

American crocodile head.

Credit:

Brian Jeffery, University of Florida

[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

Figure 8.

American crocodile.

Credit:

Eric Zamora, University of Florida

[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) – NONNATIVE

Please report to IveGot1 and University of Florida! Very difficult to distinguish from the American crocodile. Narrow, pointed snout (slightly more broad than an American crocodile). Symmetrical pattern of osteoderms (bony plates on the back). Dark olive-brown or dark gray. Not commonly found in south Florida.

Figure 9.

Joe Wasilewski, Natural Selections of South Florida,Inc.

Credit:

Joe Wasilewski, Natural Selections of South Florida,Inc.

[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

Figure 10.

Nile crocodile.

Credit:

Rhett Butler, Mongabay

[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

Footnotes

1.

This document is WEC335, one of a series of the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date September 2013. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other UF/IFAS Extension publications, contact your county's UF/IFAS Extension office.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, UF/IFAS Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A & M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, dean for UF/IFAS Extension.