8ft Crocodile in Eddie Creek - Titusville, FL

[Mark Turcotte]

This past weekend, I was fishing at Eddie Creek in the Playalinda Beach area 100 yards down the shore on the left side by the boat ramp when I spotted an 8-foot crocodile. There were about 15 manatees in the area, spread out in an area of 50 yards, and at one point, they lifted the croc out of the water, alerting us to its presence. This was a behavior I had never seen from manatees before, and my kids were swimming in the vicinity of them all morning.

 

The crocodile then came alarmingly close to me and my kids near the shore, setting up an ambush. It got within 10-12 feet of us, waiting for an opportunity to strike. I had to call the Kennedy Space Center dispatch for an escort. I've been fishing here for about 12 years in various areas, including offshore, boating, and kayaking, and I've never encountered a crocodile until now. I won't be wading in these waters to fish anymore, nor will I let my kids, aged 5 and 9, swim here again. I've crossed paths with many alligators before, but they've always just gone about their business and left me alone. This was my first encounter with a Croc and hope it's my last!!  Be careful out there! 

[TnRiver46]

[GaryH]

Wow…. And welcome to the forum..

[Aaron_H]

On 8/8/2024 at 1:00 PM, Mark Turcotte said:

This past weekend, I was fishing at Eddie Creek in the Playalinda Beach area 100 yards down the shore on the left side by the boat ramp when I spotted an 8-foot crocodile. There were about 15 manatees in the area, spread out in an area of 50 yards, and at one point, they lifted the croc out of the water, alerting us to its presence. This was a behavior I had never seen from manatees before, and my kids were swimming in the vicinity of them all morning.

 

The crocodile then came alarmingly close to me and my kids near the shore, setting up an ambush. It got within 10-12 feet of us, waiting for an opportunity to strike. I had to call the Kennedy Space Center dispatch for an escort. I've been fishing here for about 12 years in various areas, including offshore, boating, and kayaking, and I've never encountered a crocodile until now. I won't be wading in these waters to fish anymore, nor will I let my kids, aged 5 and 9, swim here again. I've crossed paths with many alligators before, but they've always just gone about their business and left me alone. This was my first encounter with a Croc and hope it's my last!!  Be careful out there! 

 

Interesting, I didn't think we got them this far north, but with the increasing water temps I'm not wholly surprised to hear them spreading north. Hopefully not a widespread issue. Glad you and your kids stayed safe.

[crypt]

I work at the Space Center and have seen more Gators this year than ever. Only saw a salty once. 

[geo g]

It’s a different ball game when you’re talking crocs.  I will see 50 gators on a trip in the glades, and they are respectful and keep their distance 99% of the time.  Crocs will target you as a food source.  They have found escaped Nile crocs in the Homestead area, probably from the zoo during Andrew.  They captured and killed them, but who knows what’s out there.

[N Florida Mike]

Dern. Glad you and the family got out safely. I hope they don’t come further north. That goes for the pythons too !

[FL_Angler]

On 8/11/2024 at 12:43 PM, Aaron_H said:

 

Interesting, I didn't think we got them this far north, but with the increasing water temps I'm not wholly surprised to hear them spreading north. Hopefully not a widespread issue. Glad you and your kids stayed safe.

 
There were also a few croc sightings around Grant and the Sebastian inlet area this year.