Record number of crocodiles hatch in Everglades

[Baitball Blogger]

A record number of American crocodiles hatched in Everglades National Park last summer, in another hopeful sign for a species that had nearly disappeared from Florida 30 years ago.

Scientists from the University of Florida caught, marked and released 962 hatchlings, up from 554 last summer and a huge leap from the low point of 18 in 1981.

Frank Mazzotti, UF professor of wildlife ecology, said the latest increase may have been the result of work in the 1980s and 90s to plug canals that had allowed saltwater to invade the Everglades and ruin the crocs' nesting habitat.

The total number of hatchlings counted last summer, including those outside Everglades National Park, was 1,447, up from 1,006 last year

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/fl-baby-crocodiles-20140923-story.html

[Johnyawl]

1. Hopefully they're feeding on all the burmese pythons...

...and other invasive species that have been introduced into the everglades.

Always nice to hear a little good news.

[Orsino]

2. Good news, everyone! n/t

[CaptainTruth]

3. Great! Maybe we can send Rick Scott to tour the Everglades.

I hear people fall out of boats all the time there.

[geek tragedy]

4. Crocs have standards. He'd be safe. nt