Photo: Photo by James Keith / Moment / Getty Images
Highland Oaks Park, FL - Residents in a northeast Miami-Dade neighborhood are grappling with increased crocodile sightings, leading to the circulation of a petition and survey urging local authorities to address the growing safety risk.
The petition seeks action from Miami-Dade County and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to manage the presence of at least three American crocodiles in the area.
These federally protected animals have been spotted leaving the park and venturing into nearby neighborhoods, sparking safety concerns.
The petition details recent incidents, including two encounters in less than 30 days where crocodiles were found outside residential doorsteps.
One notable encounter involved a resident near Northeast 209th Street and 24th Avenue who reportedly armed themselves with a rifle after crossing paths with one of the reptiles in January.
Video evidence obtained by local news also shows at least three crocodiles roaming Highland Oaks Park, a space frequented by families, which features a playground, walking paths, and proximity to schools and neighborhoods.
While some longtime residents argue that the crocodiles have never posed a problem and should be left undisturbed, others are increasingly concerned about the reptiles’ growing presence in an area heavily populated by children and families.
According to the FWC, American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) are a shy and reclusive species native to south Florida and the Keys.
While the species was federally listed as endangered in 1975, conservation efforts have led to a population rebound from just a few hundred individuals to approximately 2,000 adults today.
The American crocodile is now classified as "threatened" by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
FWC provided tips for reducing the likelihood of conflicts with crocodiles:
- Always maintain a safe distance from crocodiles and report concerns to the FWC’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
- Keep pets leashed and small children away from the water’s edge, particularly at night.
- Swim only in designated areas during daylight hours and avoid bringing pets near water.
- Never feed crocodiles—it is illegal and dangerous. Feeding them can cause the animals to lose their natural fear of humans and associate people with food.
While Florida is the only U.S. state where American crocodiles are found, their global range includes parts of Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
The American crocodile is not typically aggressive, making attacks exceedingly rare.
