In response to the query, “Are There Crocodiles in Cocoa Beach Florida,” the search results indicate that crocodiles are not a common sight in Cocoa Beach. The American crocodile has been found as far north as Cocoa Beach, but it is exceedingly rare. The focus of wildlife watching in Cocoa Beach is primarily on alligators, birds, dolphins, and manatees.
Alligators in Cocoa Beach
For those interested in alligator viewing, airboat tours are a popular option. These tours allow visitors to traverse across marshes to areas where alligators are known to be. Professional guides navigate the tours and share fascinating details about these creatures.
In a real-life incident, a Cocoa Beach man encountered a six-foot alligator in his backyard. The alligator had squeezed through a fence to build a nest. The man, who wasn’t afraid of the alligator, had to call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to remove the eggs and relocate the gator due to concerns for his one-year-old granddaughter and his son’s dogs.
Rare Crocodile Sightings
While there have been rare sightings of American crocodiles in Cocoa Beach, they are not a common occurrence. The American crocodile is typically found in the southern tip of Florida, particularly in the Florida Keys and the Everglades region.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the American crocodile is a protected species in Florida. They are known to inhabit coastal areas, estuaries, and mangrove swamps, but their range is limited to the southernmost parts of the state.
Wildlife Watching in Cocoa Beach
In Cocoa Beach, the focus of wildlife watching is primarily on other species, such as:
- Alligators
- Birds
- Dolphins
- Manatees
Alligators can occasionally be found in backyards and golf courses, and it is essential to maintain a safe distance and respect these creatures in their natural habitat.
Cocoa Beach is also home to a diverse array of bird species, including herons, egrets, pelicans, and ospreys. Birdwatchers can often spot these birds along the coastline and in the nearby wetlands.
Dolphin and manatee sightings are also common in the waters around Cocoa Beach. Visitors can take boat tours or kayak excursions to observe these marine mammals in their natural habitat.
Conclusion
In summary, while there have been rare sightings of American crocodiles in Cocoa Beach, alligators are the primary focus of wildlife watching in the area. Alligators can occasionally be found in backyards and golf courses, and it is essential to maintain a safe distance and respect these creatures in their natural habitat. Cocoa Beach offers a variety of other wildlife-watching opportunities, including birds, dolphins, and manatees.
References:
– Are there alligators or crocodiles in the waters?
– Wildlife Watching in Cocoa Beach
– Six-foot alligator breaks through fence to build nest in Cocoa Beach man’s backyard
– Alligator Sighting in Cocoa Beach, Florida
– Alligator spotted on Cocoa Beach golf course