New Florida Predator Needs to Be Stopped Now Before Problem Worsens

By Elizabeth Santiago UCF Forum columnist It's official: Florida has been invaded. Not by aliens or soldiers with guns, but by something that has no natural predators within our Sunshine State borders. This danger lurks where few people go, but its disruptive presence affects us just the same. Responsible for hundreds of human deaths along the Nile River every year, the Nile crocodile ranks as one of the most aggressive animals in the world -- and just recently scientists discovered its ominous presence in the Florida Everglades. State officials say the reptiles likely were brought to the area by unlicensed dealers and then escaped or were released from captivity. State wildlife officials need to do what they can to eliminate the predators and punish the people who took them illegally to the Everglades. Once again here is an unsettling story about people's selfish ways creating another obstacle for Mother Nature to contend with. It's distressing to think how an action by a few can impact thousands of people and the native wildlife. It's even more disturbing that these people get away with it. The Nile crocodile, unlike the American crocodile or alligator, does not try to elude humans. Being an apex predator, it welcomes the challenge from other animals and does not go down without a fight. They can grow up to 18 feet and lay 25-80 eggs just two months after mating. Though only three have been spotted in Florida, it does not take much for this species to make itself at h...
Source: Science - The Huffington Post - Category: Science Source Type: news