A South Florida crocodile may be the first in the state known to have died from lead poisoning after 23 air-rifle pellets, a fishing weight, and other lead fragments were found in its stomach.
Here's what to know
NBC6 South Florida News reported that after a Miami-Dade resident reported in November 2023 that an American crocodile had gotten into a swimming pool, biologists captured it for routine satellite transmitter work. The animal unexpectedly died during that process, and a field necropsy found 0.79 ounces (22.42 grams) of lead in the crocodile's stomach — about as much as an AA battery.
In a news release, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said, "Researchers concluded that lead exposure likely weakened the crocodile's overall health and reduced its ability to withstand the stress of capture, contributing to its death."
More background
The crocodile's stomach also contained the remains of at least one green iguana — a finding researchers used to support their theory that it swallowed air-rifle pellets while scavenging carcasses of shot iguanas.
Researchers said the fishing weight suggested a separate contamination source, indicating the crocodile may not have been exposed through just one object or one meal. The study also reported significant tooth loss, which is often associated with prolonged lead exposure, as well as a high concentration of lead in the crocodile's liver.
What's being done?
In response, additional sampling for lead and other contaminants is underway in American crocodiles across Florida.
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Further sampling could help the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission determine whether this was an isolated incident or part of a wider pattern tied to shot iguanas, discarded fishing gear, or both.
In the same news release, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission added, "It is likely additional crocodiles are being impacted, but the scale and scope of this problem are not yet fully known."
Where can I learn more?
Read more on how crocodiles and other reptiles are being affected by human activity and changing habitats.
• In South Florida, urban crocodiles are venturing into neighborhoods as safety concerns grow.
• At Odisha's Bhitarkanika National Park, plastic-filled stomach contents were tied to a giant crocodile's death.
• In Western Australia, scientists built a baiting system to stop crocodiles from eating cane toads.
• In Australia, researchers found shocking crocodile behavior linked to dangerous body-temperature shifts.
• In Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp, more than 100 alligators showed troubling mercury exposure.
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