It cleans out the large holes dissolved in the Everglades' limestone bed and these function as oases in the dry winter season. Survivors, both predators and prey, then quit the holes to repopulate the Everglades. Crocodiles, less common than alligators, are distinguished by their narrower snouts and greenish-gray color. You would be lucky indeed to see one of these shy and secretive creatures mostly found in the Florida Bay area. The crocodile's survival hinges on the preservation of its dwindling habitat, which somewhat overlaps the alligators.
Life hangs by a thread here.
Water, fresh water, the lifeblood of the Everglades. It appears to be everywhere, but man has drastically blocked its free flow through south Florida. Conflicting demands compete for precious fresh water and the Everglades, at Florida's tip, struggles to survive. Species, forms of life, hang in the balance. Despite an apparent lush richness, water supplies are critical and porous limestone underlies the entire park.