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American Crocodile

(Crocodylus acutus)

 

Category: Reptiles

 

 

The range of this sizeable crocodile spans from both coasts of southern Mexico, to as far south as Peru and Venezuala, as well as many Caribbean islands. While it is sometimes found in river ecosystems, it seems to prefer some salinity and coastal areas are its favorite habitat.  Although they can reach immense proportions (20 feet long and 2000 pounds!), their favorite food is fish and attacks on humans are rare.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_crocodile

http://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/nature/crocodile.htm

 

Data & Facts

Scientific Classification
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Sauropsida
Order - Crocodilia
Family - Crocodylidae
Genus - Crocodylus
Species - C. acutus

 
Did you know?
Interesting Animal Facts

The report of my breath was an exaggeration

For years, the Komodo dragon was accused of having a mouth so filthy that even if you escaped its terrible bite, you were doomed to eventually die from the ensuing bacterial infection. However, recent studies on Komodo dragons demonstrated that this was unfair, as they have mouths cleaner than many mammalian carnivores. It turns out the reality is worse than the myth: they have poison glands! Komodo dragons produce a venom that sends prey into shock while keeping its blood from clotting. A deer or pig who “escapes” will run off and go into shock, often bleeding out from its wounds within 3 hours, leaving an easy treat for the dragon.

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