The largest reptile in North America, the American crocodile, is making its last stand in the mangroves and marshes of south Florida.  There are only about 500 remaining. Hunting in the past reduced their numbers and now loss of habitat threatens to eliminate them altogether. They may live over 70 years and reach lengths over 20 feet. Fortunately, they are shy of man and mostly eat crabs, turtles, fish, raccoons, and water birds. Interestingly, red mangrove seedlings have been found in their stomachs. Crocodiles can be distinguished from alligators by their more pointed snouts, raised tail scales, long exposed teeth and they can be found in salty water. Alligators lack the salt-extracting glands of crocodiles and are unable to survive in salt water for extended periods of time.