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#1 Florida didn't need any MORE predators.

Sharks, alligators, snakes, and panthers, seems like Flordia was set for it's share of predators, but someone thought different! Nile Crocodiles have taken up residence in the beautiful state and what's worse, they grow even faster in Flordia than in Africa.

#2 Researchers are baffled.

Researchers have taken DNA from the crocodiles that they have found and compared it with those in local theme parks and zoos as well as those in South Africa. What they found was that the Flordia Crocs matched up with the African Crocs and not the Zoo Crocs. They are assuming that these crocodiles are escapees from the illegal pet trade.

#3 Way to go!

Because of Flordia's climate, these crocodiles are rather comfortable and seem to be thriving. Unlike their cousins the American Alligator, the Nile Crocodiles are quite a bit more aggressive and opportunistic as far as hunting. They will eat anything and are responsible for at least 268 human fatalities in 2000. Alligators only racked up 33 fatalities that same year.

#4 What's the difference between the two?

Giant, scaly reptilian death looks pretty much the same, but there is a difference between the two species. The American alligator is much smaller than the Nile crocodile, usually topping out at 15 feet (about five meters) in length. That might not sound all that tiny until you consider that the biggest Nile crocodiles can be longer than a giraffe is tall.

Head shape is another big difference, with alligators having broader, rounder heads than the triangular, narrower skulls of crocodiles. For instance, the head of American crocodiles is more similar to Nile crocodiles than it is to American alligators.

#5 Now for the good news!

While there's no way to be sure how many wild Nile Crocodiles are in Flordia at one time, only four have been confirmed. That's way to small an amount for an active and breeding community. Also, crocodiles breed a lot slower than alligators. However, if it keeps up we may have an open crocodile season soon! Yay for new purses!