Spring Break Visitor – A Real Croc Story
This beautiful Saturday morning I was able to sleep in until around 10am since the neighborhood was surprisingly quiet. This despite having wonderful spring weather expected for the entire weekend and it is Spring Break time. Usually my subdivision, primarily second or vacation homes, becomes quite active on specific weekends and holidays. You can understand my surprise when I woke to a near silent morning.
As I made my way to my canal side patio I looked toward my usually empty neighbor’s yard to see if they had made the trip down to paradise. I never noticed if anyone was there since this is what greeted me. This is an American Saltwater Crocodile sunning itself in an empty raised flower bed.
I live near the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge and have seen Crocs in my canal and occasionally sunning on my boat ramp as well as in the surrounding waters while boating. This was the first time I have had one well out of the water in my yard. I guess it is time for a little autobio. I have lived all my life, 50+ years, in South Florida and have spent many hours enjoying subtropical nature. I worked for 11 years as an Animal Control Officer where I handled many different animals other then the standard dogs and cats, including the occasional small alligator. I also, for a number of years, was a State licensed, nuisance wildlife trapper although I never handled gator or croc complaints. So as you might surmise, I didn’t run frightened into my home and dial 911. I did go inside but it was to get my camera so I could get some pictures before she disappeared back into her watery world.
This picture shows a typical Gaping posture that is often mistaken for aggression but is actually this behavior is done when the crocodile is basking in the sun. Experts think that this may cool the crocodile. However they also do this during rain and at night which suggests that gaping has a social function as well.
Much to my delight my, now favorite, Spring Break visitor didn’t seem to mind my presence and proceeded to spend the next 4 hours digging, resting and changing positions in a relatively small space and letting me photograph her from every angle. At first I thought she might be injured since she seemed to be acting a little strangely. It soon became evident that “She” was performing nesting behaviour. I tried to be as undistrubing as possible while still staying near enough to watch and photograph her antics. It seemed to be working since she paid little attention to me and continued until the hottest part of the day. Then she calmly returned to the canal, only about 15 feet away.
I wondered if that would be the last I saw of her. Much to my delight she immediately turned around and positioned herself head first toward the bank and remained there until it was nearly dark. If you are interest in reading more of the Spring Break Croc, keep checking back. I have contacted the State to advise them and if she decides to continue her visit I will keep you updated.
Let me know if you have been so lucky with any unusual local wildlife.
Tags: american crocodile, croc, spring break