An iconic Florida alligator nicknamed “Croczilla” for its impressive length of 14 feet – possibly the largest in the state – has been captured on video showing off its sharp chompers.
Footage captured by wildlife photographer Kym Clark shows the reclusive scaly celebrity basking in the sun next to a pond and opening its gaping jaws.
“Lucky day,” Clark can be heard exclaiming in the background, keeping his camera trained on the giant reptile.
It was Clark’s second encounter in a year with what he described as “the largest reported wild American alligator in Everglades National Park,” and potentially in the entire state of Florida.
Measuring in at 14 feet tall, “Croczilla” is the largest member of its species ever recorded in the wild.
An iconic American crocodile nicknamed “Croczilla” was captured on video in Florida’s Everglades National Park. full of stories
“Croczilla is probably just as happy to see me as I am to see him!” Clark beamed in an Instagram post Tuesday. “We only met once, but it was definitely love at first sight.”
“This huge American alligator is truly the king of the Everglades,” he added.
Wildlife photographer Kym Clark came across the 14ft reptile, believed to be the largest ever recorded in the wild. full of stories
Clark’s first sighting of the prehistoric-looking creature occurred in April.
“This alligator has been on my herping (reptile hunting) bucket list for a while [sic] now,” he wrote at the time in a caption accompanying a video showing “Croczilla” opening its powerful jaws to reveal dozens of teeth. “So excited to finally meet him!!!”
Clark states that “an open mouth is not a sign of aggression but usually a way to regulate body temperature or yawn.”
Clark called the giant reptile the “king of the Everglades.” full of stories
There are an estimated 1,000 to 2,500 alligators calling the Sunshine State home, according to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The large reptile is now classified as an “endangered” species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
