Man-eating monster crocodile may be Florida’s newest invasive species

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://news.ufl.edu/articles/2016/05/man-eating-monster-crocodile-may-be-floridas-newest-invasive-species.php

[font face=Serif][font size=5]Man-eating monster crocodile may be Florida’s newest invasive species[/font]

May 19, 2016 | Stephenie Livingston

[font size=3]Spotting native alligators and crocodiles in Florida is common, but anyone who sees a large reptile may want to take a second look— man-eaters that can grow to 18 feet long and weigh as much as a small car have been found in the Sunshine State.

Using DNA analysis, University of Florida researchers have confirmed the capture of multiple Nile crocodiles in the wild.

The ancient icon eats everything from zebras to small hippos to humans in sub-Saharan Africa. Now three juveniles of the monster crocodile, have been found in South Florida, swimming in the Everglades and relaxing on a house porch in Miami.

The invasive crocodiles were captured between 2000 and 2014, leading UF scientists to analyze their DNA, study their diet and one of the animal’s growth. Scientists verified the animals were Nile crocodiles linked to native populations in South Africa, and confirmed the species can survive in Florida—and potentially thrive, said Kenneth Krysko, herpetology collections manager at the Florida Museum of Natural History on the UF campus.

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[Agnosticsherbet]

1. Maybe they will give the Python's a run for their money.

[Scootaloo]

2. So, some really smart person's escaped pets / herp zoo subjects?

'Cause it's a pretty long swim from South Africa to south Florida

[OKIsItJustMe]

3. Maybe both

…

Study scientists note that over the last decade, large groups of Nile crocodiles have been imported from South Africa and Madagascar for display at places like Disney’s Animal Kingdom and to supply Florida’s flourishing pet trade, with the latter being the most likely introduction pathway, according to the study.

…

[Scootaloo]

4. Who wakes up one day and thinks, "I want a pet nile crocodile!"

It's like, what, are wildebeest trampling your lawn or something?

[OKIsItJustMe]

6. Who wakes up one day and thinks, "I want a pet python!"

“Because, you know, like they’re so cool!”

[Scootaloo]

7. I never figured that one out either

I mean... Pythons just lay there, curled in a ball, until you throw a rodent at them. Occasionally they'll try to eat your children, too. Why have them? If you want a pet, get a dog. if you want a lazy pet who will eat your children, get a bigger dog!

[OKIsItJustMe]

9. “I’m bored with this python, and it’s costing me a fortune to feed it…

…hey! I know… let’s set it loose in the swamp! Be free python! Be free!” (I’m such a nature lover.”

[Scootaloo]

10. Well, it's against hte law to eat the things, if I recall correctly

Seems to me you could have a nice little industry in Florida. Open up "Alien Fauna's Grill and Kebabs!" Get your crocodile and python meat, along with some lionfish sushi? Sounds delish.

[Nihil]

12. You'd need a hell of a long kebab stick wouldn't you? (n/t)

[hatrack]

13. . . .

<a href="https://imgflip.com/i/14md9o"><img src="" title="made at imgflip.com"/></a>

[Fairgo]

5. Oh, you'll love crocodiles

The alligator's intelligent, psychopathic cousin

[Scootaloo]

8. New SyFY made-for-TV movie.

"Supercroc vs. Floriduh Guy"

[hatrack]

11. "Crocnado!!"