There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
05-20-2016, 03:48 PM( This post was last modified: 05-20-2016, 03:52 PM by brotherbear )
Killer Nile Crocodiles in Florida? Experts say its possible.
- Step aside Burmese python - you might not be Florida's scariest invasive species. Researchers have confirmed that three Nile crocodiles were captured near Miami, and they said its possible more of the man-eating reptiles are still out there, although no one can say for sure.
The big question now: How did they get to Florida?
Krysko and his co-authors just published a paper showing that DNA testing proved the three animals captured in 2009, 2011, and 2014 are Nile crocs, a species whose males grow to over 16 feet long and weigh upwards of 1,600 pounds. Nile crocs are believed to be responsible for up to 200 fatalities annually in their native sub-Saharan Africa. Compare that to an annual average of six reported shark attack deaths globally.
Krysko, who works at UF's Florida Museum of Natural History, said the captured crocodiles matched genetically, meaning they are related to one another, but didn't match Nile crocs kept at Disney's Animal Kingdom and other licensed Florida attractions.
Florida Northwest Daily News - Friday, May 20, 2016.