Florida Logs its 1st American Crocodile Attack

Alligators and sharks aren’t the only things lurking in Florida’s waters. Crocodiles also call the Sunshine State home.

Two people got a sharp reminder of this fact when they were attacked by a croc while swimming Sunday morning in a canal in Coral Gables.

Alejandro Jimenez, 26, was treated and released from a local hospital after suffering a number of bites, WFLA reported. A friend, Lisset Rendon, 23, also suffered minor injuries.

The attack occurred around 2 a.m., according to the Miami Herald. The canal in question is known to have crocodiles in it.

“We don’t know why these two individuals would be in a canal that’s known to have crocodiles at such hour,” Jorge Pino, a spokesman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission told the Herald.

To help prevent further attacks, Coral Gables police went door-to-door Monday in the neighborhood handing out tips on “living with crocodiles.”

Pino told the Herald this was the first-ever attack by an American crocodile on humans in Florida, according to state records.

The croc has been described as being between 8 and 9 feet in length. It is being sought by wildlife officials for relocation.

While this is the first croc attack on record in Florida, the state has seen a number of shark attacks this summer. Alligator attacks also haven’t been unheard of.

American crocodiles are found predominately in the South Florida area, according to the wildlife conservation commission, but that hasn’t stopped them from making appearances further north. A croc was found living in Lake Tarpon last August. Crocodiles prefer brackish or saltwater areas, but can also be found in canals, ponds, creeks and swamps.

See Also:

• Shark Bites Girl in Florida Waters
• Fisherman Bitten by Shark in Panhandle
• Woman Attacked by Gator at Tampa Park

Photo Credit: A crocodile was found in Lake Tarpon in 2013. Patch File Photo