Florida’s largest crocodile – a 13-foot-long monster called ‘Croczilla’ – was photographed showing off its shiny teeth in a swamp in Everglades National Park.
The reptile surfaced from a nearby swamp on Sunday, opening its mouth wide and showing its razor-sharp teeth.
Wildlife photographer Kymberly Strempack Clark, who had been searching for the crocodile for months, came across the 2,000-pound beast at Nine Mile Pond.
Clark was packing up for the day after spending hours in the wild trying to locate the crocodile. She said Fox35 Orlando that when she passed the last truck hauling kayaks in the back, she saw the huge reptile and was in awe.
“When I saw this man, I’m not sure who opened his mouth further, Croczilla or me?” she said.
The magnificent reptile emerged from a nearby swamp on Sunday, opening its mouth wide and showing its razor-sharp teeth.
Wildlife photographer Kymberly Strempack Clark, who had been searching for the crocodile for months, was impressed when she got close to the 2,000-pound beast
Clark, who describes herself as a walker and “distracted walker” on her Instagram, wrote about their chance encounter and stood admiring Croczilla for more than an hour.
“This crocodile has been on my herping bucket list for a while. So excited to have finally met him!!,” she wrote.
“Although Crocs are native to the Americas, this estimated 4-foot-tall crocodile is about the largest crocodile found in the wild,” she said.
In her post, she shared her knowledge about crocodiles and alligators, explaining that compared to alligators, crocodiles have a narrower snout, are lighter in color, and show both upper and lower teeth.
She also talked about the crocodiles’ body language.
Although this crocodile looks fierce, the American crocodiles are very shy. The open mouth is not a sign of aggression, but usually a way of regulating body temperature or a yawn,” she said.
But she offered a word of caution, saying in part, “Always keep a safe distance from crocodiles and other wildlife. Crocodiles are classified as endangered by FWS.
Crocodiles and alligators can swerve up to 6 feet from a resting position, so experts urge them to stay at least 20 feet away from them.
The largest saltwater crocodile was named Lolong, 20 feet three inches long, and native to the Philippines.
Lolong was caught in 2011 and died of stress two years later. The Science Times reported.
Florida wildlife photographer Kym Clark captured the crocodile known as ‘Croczilla’ on Sunday while in Everglades National Park
Dozens of crocodiles swarm in the Everglades
Clark told Fox35 Orlando that she saw Croczilla as she passed the last truck hauling kayaks out of the park and was in awe
Everglades National Park is a 1.5 million-acre wetland reserve in the southernmost tip of Florida. The scenic natural area is often compared to a grassy, slow-flowing river
The Everglades consists of coastal mangroves, sawgrass swamps, and pine forests. Many species live on the reserve, including the endangered leatherback turtle, Florida panther, and West Indian manatee
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Commission, (FWC) The American crocodile is protected as an endangered species by the Federal Endangered Species Act, and as a federally designated endangered species by Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule.
While a crocodile and an alligator may look similar, there are major differences between the two reptiles.
Crocodiles are usually a gray-green color, their fourth tooth on their lower jaw is visible when their mouth is closed. They also have a narrow tapered snout. A young crocodile is lighter in color with darker stripes, according to FWC.
Alligators are black in color, their upper teeth are visible when their mouth is closed, and their muzzle is broad and rounded. The younger alligators are darker in color with yellow stripes, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Commission.
Everglades National Park is a 1.5 million-acre wetland reserve in the southernmost tip of Florida. The vast and scenic nature reserve has been compared to a grassy, slow-flowing river.
The Everglades consists of coastal mangroves, sawgrass swamps, and pine forests.
The reserve is also home to hundreds of animals and endangered species, including the leatherback turtle, Florida panther, and West Indian manatee.