Volunteers assist with removal of Nile Crocodile

Barry Offenburger (L) and Dr. Chris Smith (R) with captured Nile Crocodile

HOMESTEAD, Florida – Everglades National Park, and partners including the University of Florida (UF), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the Swamp Apes (a volunteer organization), worked together to capture a Nile crocodile that was reported in Everglades National Park, in the Chekika area of the park, which is currently closed to the public.

Members of the Swamp Apes, authorized agents for the exotic removal program in Everglades National Park, notified the park that they’d spotted this animal while conducting regular Burmese Python surveys. Afghanistan Veteran Barry Offenburger, the Swamp Apes Mobility Liaison, helped spot the Crocodile, and Chris Smith, Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine, brought with him his expertise in exotic animals. Dr. Smith’s oversight added to the humane capture effort and provided an infield examination after the Crocodile was subdued.




Dr. Chris Smith (L) with founder of Swamp Apes, Tom Rahill (R)

 

On Sunday, March 9th, an interagency team of cooperators responded quickly to begin an operation to remove the exotic animal from the park. After several hours of corralling the crocodile into a small section of canal, the team was able to capture the animal.

“Exotic reptiles continue to challenge the health of south Florida ecosystems we are charged with protecting,” said Superintendent Dan Kimball. “Unfortunately federal and state agencies in Florida spend over 80 million dollars a year to remove invasive plants and animals to protect our natural resources.  Our ongoing partnership with federal and state agencies and volunteers to remove exotic plants and animals from protected areas is essential!”



Veteran Barry Offenburger

Circumstances surrounding the escape or release of this animal are currently under an ongoing criminal investigation by FWC. 

This crocodile is a juvenile and not yet of breeding age with a total length of approximately 5.5 feet and weight of 37.4 pounds.