Golfers at the Orangebrook Golf and Country Club in Hollywood were in for a surprise recently when a crocodile was spotted wandering the fairways near homes and a popular walking path. Residents have expressed their concerns over the reptile’s presence, with some urging officials to relocate the animal from the vicinity. According to NBC Miami, neighbors are particularly worried as the crocodile frequently comes onto the shore near the walking path, an area frequently used by families with children and pet owners.
Kenny Szuch, the director of golf at Orangebrook, revealed that the estimated five-foot crocodile has made the golf course its home for about two years, becoming part of the local wildlife that includes iguanas, coyotes, and raccoons. The crocodile can often to be seen lounging near the third hole on the west lake, Szuch told Local 10 News, adding “it adds a little character to the place.” Despite concerns, Szuch described the reptile as skittish, stating “If you get anywhere near it, it just dives in the water. I don’t think anyone has gotten within 100 yards of it” and noted that there have been no incidents reported.
Nevertheless, the presence of a wild crocodile in proximity to human activity has raised safety issues. As the crocodile grows, plans are to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) when it reaches eight feet for removal and subsequent release back into the wild. The agency, which has not yet received reports about the crocodile, has outlined precautionary measures for residents and visitors to reduce chances of conflicts with these native reptiles, which include keeping a safe distance, avoiding feeding them, and supervising pets and small children around water. These recommendations seek to maintain safety while recognizing the reality of wildlife habitats overlapping with recreational spaces…