SWIMMING WITH AMERICAN CROCS & ALLIGATORS

American crocodile, Everglades Florida

D4, 200 4,0, f/6,3, 1/1000, ISO 720

The American crocodile is naturally distributed in the Central Americas south to Colombia & Venezuela and is also found in some areas of the Caribbean. In the US crocs are only found in the Everglades area in southern Florida. The biggest ever American croc recorded was 7 m long, and fatalities with humans are known to happen. Due to loss of habitat and extended poaching over decades the American croc is now rare and listed as endangered. The total population in the Everglades is estimated to approx 400, where as many go these are found in the Turkey Point Power Plant Area which is normally closed for the public. Not only are crocs rare, but also much shyer than alligators and accordingly they can be a challenging motive.

A warm thank you to Michael Stern & Mario Aldecoa for help & great company ! 

Americn crocodile, Everglades Florida

D4, 200 4,0, f/6,3, 1/1000, ISO 500

American crocodile, Turkey Point Everglades Florida

D4, 600 4,0, f/6,3, 1/2500, ISO 4500

American crocodile, Turkey Point Everglades Florida

D4, 600 4,0, f/6,3, 1/2500, ISO 5000

American crocodile, Flamingo Everglades Florida

D4, 200-400 4,0, f/5,6, 1/800, ISO 900 

American croc : check the front canines in the lower jaw penetrates the upper jaw ! 

D4, 200-400 4,0, f/6,3, 1/640, ISO 250

The remains of an expired giant American croc !! Turkey Point Everglades Florida

Olympus O-MD E-M1, 12-40 2,8, f/3,2, 1/500, ISO 100

Photographer & Turkey Point biologist Mario Aldecoa with the crocodile skull. 

Turkey Point Everglades.

Olympus O-MD E-M1, 12-40 2,8, f/2,8, 1/500, ISO 100

Alligator, Everglades Florida

I had to get in the water with my cloths on (!!) to get this low angle on the alligator at dawn. 

Shark Valley, Everglades Florida

D4, 600 4,0, f/4,0,  1/200, ISO 2800

Alligator, Loop Road, Everglades Florida

D4, 600 4,0 f/6,3, 1/640, ISO 2500

Alligator, Loop Road, Everglades, Florida.

D4, 600 4,0, f/6,3, 1/640, ISO 900

Alligator. Loop Road, Everglades, Florida.

D4, 600 4,0, f74,0, 1/640, ISO 1100

Spectacled caiman, Rio Frio, Costa Rica 

Spectacled caiman, Rio Frio, Costa Rica

Black racer. SW 53 street, Miami (!)

D4, 200-400 4,0, f/4,0, 1/1000, ISO 220

Male green iguana, Costa Rica

D4, 200-4004,0, f/5,6, 1/800, ISO 1000

Male green iguana, Costa Rica

Olympus O-MD E-M1, 12-40 2,8, f/4,5, 1/500, ISO 200 

Male green iguana, Costa Rica (don`t clic to enlarge !)

D4, 200-400 4,0, f/5,6, 1/800, ISO 200

An little iconic little frog, not bigger than 20-25 mm long : the strawberry poison dart frog with skin extremely poisonous !! Arenal, Costa Rica

Olympus O-MD E-M1, 60 2,8 macro, f/5,6, 1/50, ISO 25600 (!!)