Florida American Crocodile Died From Lead Poisoning
The 7-foot reptile ingested lead pellets while scavenging invasive green iguanas in November 2023.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Reptiles
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Should the state restrict lead-based ammunition for controlling invasive species to protect local wildlife?
In November 2023, a 7-foot female American crocodile in Miami-Dade County died from lead poisoning, marking the first documented case of its kind in Florida. A necropsy found 22 grams of lead, including 23 air rifle pellets, in the animal's stomach.
Why it matters
This incident highlights how the management of invasive green iguanas can have unintended consequences for native apex predators. Because Florida allows residents to lethally manage these iguanas, the presence of lead ammunition in scavenged carcasses poses a direct environmental risk.
The necropsy recovered 23 air rifle pellets and one fishing weight totaling 22 grams of lead. This is the first recorded instance of an American crocodile fatality attributed to lead poisoning in the state.
The players
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
The state agency responsible for managing Florida's wildlife populations and implementing invasive species control policies.
The details
The crocodile died after being captured for research and fitted with a satellite transmitter, as it was unable to survive the stress of the procedure. Investigators believe the reptile scavenged green iguana carcasses containing lead air rifle pellets, leading to the accumulation of toxic metal and physical indicators such as black mouth stains and tooth loss.
Timeline
November 2023: The 7-foot female crocodile was captured and died.
The Home Front
This case follows a pattern set by the historical decline of bald eagle populations due to lead ammunition, illustrating the cascading risks of lead in local food webs. It underscores broader environmental concerns regarding the secondary poisoning of native wildlife in populated areas.
If you are managing invasive iguanas on your property, consider using non-lead disposal methods to protect native predators like crocodiles and alligators. Contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for guidance on humane and environmentally safe pest control.
The takeaway
This event serves as a warning about the ecological impact of using lead ammunition for invasive species control in Florida. Homeowners should safely dispose of carcasses that may contain lead to prevent further poisoning of local wildlife.
Further reading
Learn more about local wildlife at Reptiles.
Live Poll
Should the state restrict lead-based ammunition for controlling invasive species to protect local wildlife?
