The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is a species of crocodilian in the crocodile family, Crocodylidae. It is native to the Neotropical realm, from parts of Mexico and Florida through the Caribbean and Central America to the northern parts of South America. This species prefers saline or even hypersaline water and is commonly found on coasts. As of 2022, it is considered vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It grows up to twenty feet in length and may weigh two thousand pounds when at this size, though most are smaller. American crocodiles evolved during the Pleistocene, roughly 2.6 million years ago.
