New Resident at Orangebrook Golf Club: A Crocodile!

News Summary

Orangebrook Golf Club has gained a unique new resident—a five-foot American crocodile! Frequently spotted near the third hole, this charming reptile adds a touch of wildlife to the golfing experience. With concerns for safety, the club’s director assures golfers that this crocodile is shy and generally keeps its distance. As local residents capture videos of its antics, Orangebrook Golf Club becomes a delightful blend of golf and nature, inviting visitors to appreciate the local wildlife while enjoying a round.

Meet the Newest Golfer at Orangebrook Golf Club!

Golf enthusiasts, listen up! There’s a *wild* twist waiting for you at Orangebrook Golf Club that might just make your next round unforgettable. Over the past couple of years, a five-foot American crocodile has decided to hang its hat on the fairways of this golf course, regularly seen sunbathing near the third hole by the west lake. This charming reptilian resident has become a staple of the golfing experience, turning into something of a local star!

A Wild Addition to Your Golfing Experience

Imagine teeing off, your focus sharp, and suddenly catching a glimpse of a friendly crocodile lounging by the water’s edge! Golfers at Orangebrook Golf Club are not just enjoying the *game* but also the *natural* wonders around them. With sightings of *iguanas*, *coyotes*, and *raccoons*, this scenic setting has affectionately earned the nickname: “Orangebrook Zoo and Golf Club.” It’s like playing out a scene from a wildlife documentary—how cool is that?

Understanding the Local Wildlife

While such encounters can be thrilling, they also come with a sprinkle of concern for families and pet owners strolling the nearby paths. But worry not! The golf club’s director assures that the crocodile is quite skittish and usually keeps a safe distance from curious onlookers. In fact, many find it tricky to get within 100 yards of this elusive creature!

You might be surprised to find out that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) hasn’t received any complaints about our toothy friend. They’re carefully monitoring its growth, and most agree that once this crocodile hits a whopping eight feet, the FWC will swoop in to ensure everyone’s safety.

Fun Facts About American Crocodiles

If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting these intriguing creatures before, here’s a little backstory. American crocodiles are native to South Florida and were classified as an endangered species way back in 1975. However, through impressive conservation efforts, their numbers have bounced back to about 2,000 individuals! Nowadays, they’re considered threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Surprisingly, run-ins between humans and these powerful reptiles are incredibly rare! There have been only two documented bite incidents across the entire state. That’s right! Most of the time, these shy critters would rather keep their distance than engage in any confrontations. The FWC also shares tips to keep the interactions safe; a simple rule is to stay clear of these remarkable animals.

Neighborhood Watch – The Crocodile Chronicles

The Orangebrook Golf Club is happily sharing its surroundings with two neighboring communities, and residents there have taken an interest in capturing videos of the crocodile’s antics. However, it’s common for onlookers to mistakenly identify the croc as an alligator—truth be told, both species have their differences! So brush up on your wildlife education before heading out on the course!

Keeping Your Distance

When it comes to wildlife, respecting their space is key. The FWC recommends keeping pets leashed at all times and swimming only in designated areas. It’s crucial to remember *never* to feed crocodiles; this could lead to dangerous situations for both you and the crocodile itself.

If you find yourself at Orangebrook Golf Club, be prepared for more than just an excellent round of golf. This could be your chance to witness a slice of local wildlife up close. As golfers enjoy thorough exploration of its beautiful landscapes, don’t forget to appreciate those special moments connecting with nature.

Whether you’re savoring a round of golf, spotting the resident crocodile, or admiring the vibrant wildlife around, Orangebrook Golf Club offers an experience that transcends golf—it’s a delightful day out in nature!

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Additional Resources

• Local 10 News
• Wikipedia: American crocodile
• NBC Miami
• Google Search: American crocodile Florida
• Storyful Video
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Crocodile
• My Suncoast
• Google News: crocodile Florida golf course