Why Crocodiles Are Thriving in the Shadow of A Nuclear Plant

[@AMRay]

How to tell the difference between alligators and crocodiles: one will see you later and the other will see you in a while

[@Lumber91]

One has a angular 📐 snout while one has a rounded one

[@WebFanNY]

😄

[@BreakingGaia]

It's been 3 minutes and I'm still giggling.

[@chrisraz8046]

​@@Lumber91 Guess you didn't get it. Your snout must be square 🤓

[@deepthoughtswithjessica]

😂😂😂

[@geodkyt]

Nuclear plants frequently become wildlife refuges for fish, amphibians, and wetlands animals, because of the warm water (often full of finely chummed fish that got sucked into the intake ends).

[@Mario-s1c2o]

The devil speaks. Nuclear power plants are delicious, says he. Mmm mmm mmm 😊

[@YarPirates-vy7iv]

Sounds nurturing. I'm gonna raise my baby in one of those now.

[@mrbaab5932]

Dam power ⛮ plants also suck in fish 🐠 and out put chum.

[@alexanderbarnett4948]

also manatees!!!

[@YarPirates-vy7iv]

@alexanderbarnett4948 those poor manatees! Those intakes must be huge to make them into manatee soup

[@LongItAll]

Seeing that man's passion for crocs is amazing Makes me smile anytime I see that level of dedication to something so wholesome

[@sleepysmiler]

I FEEL THIS i watch dinosaur documentaries for background noise + comfort… those paleontologists LOVE their craft

[@chelseaxjaye]

i bet him and steve irwin would have been best friends 😓

[@ShannonShanks-il8ip]

I'm loving all the scientists that are realizing how many of us desperately want to hear about their science projects and are starting channels.

[@dertythegrower]

the plant leaks... they are lying and i am an educated local.

[@dertythegrower]

they lied here.. i feel sorry for you

[@FloridaJack]

The first crocodile was located just west of the cooling system approximately 1975. The croc was seen from a helicopter that was being used to take water samples from wells located around the cooling system property. The croc was noticed when it had attacked an alligator creating splashing in a flood control canal L31-E, that runs north to south. The pilot and the lab tech reported the sighting to maintenance management. Maintenance management had an FPL biologist on staff. The first crocodile in the cooling system was found approximately 1976 in the northwest corner of the cooling system. The genie was out of the bottle at that time. It was me and another guy that had seen the first croc in the system. We reported to management. We were asked by management to keep the information quiet while FPL created strategy to manage this new wrinkle in their operation. Crocodiles had always been known by locals to be in the Upper Key Largo area up to that time, but not generally known or talked about by most people. It certainly was not included in the Enviromental Impact study or statement prior to construction of the power plant and it's cooling system. There was never a cover up or any intentional hold put on information. We noticed a flurry of activity such as biology consultants, University of Florida graduate students converging on the area for a while. This was all done to prepare the methods that were be utilized to manage the system with a threatened species on sight. The rest is history.

[@TragoudistrosMPH]

I did not expect a heart warming story. I almost forgot we could have those in news form!

[@sergiom9958]

Since cocodriles are cold blooded animals and the exhaust water from the plant is hot; literally this is a heart warming story

[@MenwithHill]

There's actually a plant in France that does a very similar thing on purpose! Civaux powerplant pumps its cooling water to a local town that includes a reptile zoo.

[@WhiteMouse77]

🐊...yikes! 🦖

[@newrev9er]

That's so cool!

[@dertythegrower]

this plant is leaking.. science proves

[@dertythegrower]

youre clueless, plant is leaking.

[@yashtapase3821]

Great ❤😮

[@lmzaadi]

This is officially my fav thing about Florida

[@AlbertaGeek]

Too bad funding for this program will probably be cut by Leon Skum's "Department of Efficiency", or whatever those id10ts are calling it.

[@lmzaadi]

@ amen! 💔

[@infinitemonkey917]

Frozen iguanas falling out of trees is up there, even if they are invasive.

[@BingBongMarcos]

Why are you censoring the word "idiot"?

[@AlbertaGeek]

@ Sometimes the censoring algorithm is funny about the most innocuous things.

[@ZenTheDolphin]

Woah. What a beautiful story. This really brightened my day and gave me a lil faith in humanity. I’m a native Floridian and this really spoke to me. I recently moved to the Tampa Bay Area and that’s so cool that those crocs have made it as far as here. I think that’s probably one of the best things I know of that the people of Florida has done to give back to the land and the world. 🌎 I love it

[@treestonecimino8358]

Dude.... You're on PBS! Well done sir! Yes.... More videos like this with you in it!

[@coopernoble6139]

Because nuclear plants aren’t highly radioactive and the environmental hysteria that destroyed the US nuclear industry was entirely overblown and unfounded.

[@andrewflores17]

We could power the whole country with clean efficient nuclear energy but unfortunately hysteria won

[@beyondfossil]

​@@andrewflores17 No. Nuclear powered failed itself. It is the most expensive form of electricity production. Huge cost over-runs (many billions), huge schedule over-runs (many years). The "hysteria" is the least of nuclear power's problems, that's how bad the other problems are. If nuclear power didn't fail us as badly as it did, we would not be so far down the climate change hole that we're in now. Just decommissioning a nuclear power plant takes a decade or more and costs billions of dollars. All while the power plant produces *zero watts* of power. Nuclear's much vaunted high-capacity factor plummets to down to ~75% when its full life cycle is considered. Some form of cleanup is always needed even if a newer power plant is built on top of the old. Seldom does a nuclear decommissioning project ever return the land back to its original "greenfield" status.

[@mrbaab5932]

Now nuclear power is considered greener than fossil fuel ⛽ burning 🔥 power ⛮ plants.

[@14s0cc3r14]

@@beyondfossilThat is untrue.

[@beyondfossil]

There should never be _any_ radionuclides in the expelled water of a nuclear power plant under any circumstances. This is the minimum low-bar requirement, so it is _not_ a determinator of whether or not nuclear power is used. This was never discussed in the original video either. The massive artificially created ponds (visible from space) were used for heat exchange fortuitously created an environment for crocodiles. I believe the crocodiles may have also enjoyed the extra heat in the water. The problems with commercial utility-scale nuclear run deep. But chief amongst them are high cost per kWh of electricity generation, huge capital outlay and loans needed before construction introducing huge financial risk, very long construction times with schedules ballooning 6 to 10+ years beyond original estimates. Another factor is nuclear waste. Spent nuclear fuel is probably one of the deadliest substances on Earth. It emits lethal amounts of radiation specifically ionizing gamma radiation. It even emits neutrons which are even deadlier than gamma radiation because neutrons can cause other material to become radioactive via β-decay. Then there's the long-term storage problem which is a whole other topic. But suffice to say, the best most advanced state-of-the-art storage systems to hold waste that is hazardous for millions of years is only theoretical. Because we do not know if they'll last 100 - 200 years let alone millions of years. In a way, nuclear waste and spent nuclear fuel is *immoral* because we're leaving behind a very toxic substance for future generations to live with while we, alone, received the benefits of it.

[@dark_antihero]

These canals honestly seem like a really good place for animals to live in. I'm glad the wildlife is actually benefiting from our industrializing for once

[@realtorforlouisiana]

Sweet little babies!!! 💝

[@amandabottoms1]

You mean taking wild animals habitats kills them off, but protected land has allowed the species to thrive? Crazy. Who would have ever considered it?!

[@Rurouni_Seiryu]

One meltdown away from a Godzilla colony, I dig that

[@infinitemonkey917]

Not likely. Nuclear plants are relatively safe and clean.

[@tauntingeveryone7208]

Meltdowns are extremely rare and with more understanding about nuclear energy they are becoming even rarer. For example, there are designs for new fuel pellets that cannot go meltdown. The only problem is that they are right now incredibly inefficient. There are also new safety guidelines on how to reuse fuel rods and pellets. The future is nuclear.

[@mrbaab5932]

Lol

[@TheLikeys]

@@tauntingeveryone7208 I don’t want to argue anything against the safety of nuclear energy production. The only issue is that it’s extremely cost-inefficient as can be seen by the recent report of the French audit office saying that the French government should halt further fundings for nuclear projects as they are way to expensive and the profit margins of the produced energy will be too small.

[@myradioon]

The water is warmer there before it cools. That's why they're there. It no doubt helps them in winter months. There were reports of sharks hanging around the warm water outlet of a power plant I grew up fishing around in Plymouth, MA for decades.

[@Xx-ib6bf]

These biologists are from where-? The nuclear power plant?

[@jfbeam]

@@Xx-ib6bf Yes, FPL has wildlife biologists on staff.

[@jfbeam]

It's FL. Anywhere you don't have people to run them off, there's going to be gators (and crocs.)

[@dertythegrower]

false.. go down and read

[@dertythegrower]

​@@jfbeamthey lied.. i literally school them.

[@MbisonBalrog]

I find it more fascinating this nuclear plant is able to survive all those hurricanes all this time. Or that no nuclear fallout has occurred because the hurricanes.

[@tauntingeveryone7208]

Nuclear fallout is extremely rare. Even with the nuclear accidents that have occurred they were all caused by human error. New York and Japan's nuclear accidents were caused by stubborn people not building the plant correctly. Russia was an experimental nuclear reactor and they did not follow their own guidance with the scientists that designed it. Furthermore, nuclear plants are designed with their area in mind. So, facilitates in hurricane areas might be designed to have taller cooling towers and utilize reuse fuel rods to decrease their radioactivity. Nuclear energy is by far the safest energy production.

[@goosenotmaverick1156]

​@@tauntingeveryone7208 how dare you come here with facts and logic 😂 Kidding, I'm with you on this one. Nuclear is definitely more viable than it commonly gets credit for.

[@tauntingeveryone7208]

@goosenotmaverick1156 sorry senpai that worn ever happened again 😂

[@allangibson8494]

@@tauntingeveryone7208The Chernobyl accident wasn’t in an “experimental reactor”. The Chernobyl reactor was a well proven weapons grade plutonium production reactor (hence no containment building because the fuel rods had to be pulled out monthly for separation) and flammable graphite moderator. The management were trying an experiment on the reactor however to see how long it could continue to generate power after being shut down. To do the test they disabled 63 separate interlocks (any one of which would have prevented the accident).

[@jimurrata6785]

​@@tauntingeveryone7208Can you tell me what nuclear incident happened in NY?

[@gr8handsftl]

Love our native crocodiles here. I see them often here in the Fort Lauderdale area

[@jamesbrown420]

Crocs aren’t native to FL💀 they’re invasive

[@Memessssss]

@@jamesbrown420 🤣🤣u funny bro

[@lukeo85]

@@jamesbrown420 The American crocodile is native to Florida you goofball. 🤦‍♂️💀

[@ryanreedgibson]

@@jamesbrown420 James, did you not watch the video? Eight seconds in, two minutes in, and even six minutes in he stated, "native FL American crocodiles". Native is not invasive. Unlike most of the white Trump supporters who live in Florida.

[@dertythegrower]

You do not see them in broward... also

[@ryanreedgibson]

OMG, those hatchlings sound so cute.

[@Petch85]

All nature needs is for humans to give it a little space and leave it alone.

[@goosenotmaverick1156]

Ah but we must keep extracting and expanding, or we aren't "successful" or "thriving" it's ridiculous.

[@Petch85]

@@goosenotmaverick1156 hehe Success is measured in GDP or GDP per capita. A good movie is a movie that earns a lot of money, everyone agrees that Avatar is the best movie ever. Everyone remembers the main characters name because that movie changed peoples life. And people rewatch it every Christmas. Perfect system, just see how many people that lives a happy fulfilled life chancing the newest grift. 🤦‍♂

[@goosenotmaverick1156]

@@Petch85 I've only ever watched that movie once. Like last year. 🤣

[@bengoodwin2141]

Unfortunately even things that seem isolated end up having outside effects, so it's pretty hard to truly "leave things alone"

[@PalmettoJoe34]

Florida should be one big nature reserve

[@mrbaab5932]

So should California, New York and Massachusetts.

[@LobstersLobsters]

Its gonna be a wicked scuba site in 50 years.

[@chubbywubby90]

It is lol

[@jamesharmer9293]

Hmmm, nice warm water! It probably helps a lot that the crocodiles are protected by the reputation of nuclear power plants.

[@joefroelich4934]

I live in Melbourne Fl. We have had crocodiles crawl up on the beach from the ocean occasionally. I also have seen alligator crawling through my yard at different times.

[@dertythegrower]

this plant leaks.. confirmed

[@comfortablynumb9342]

As a native born Florida Man I appreciate this video, and I'm glad the cute water lizards have a safe place. Florida needs more crocs and less yankees.

[@zsigzsag]

Native born as well, totally agree!

[@Lanedl1]

I saw a American Croc in the Keys and was told they are the same species as the Caribbean Croc. They are definitely predators but were rare and do like being disturbed. They are not as aggressive as the Nile Croc.

[@crowlsyong]

Oh hi joe! didn't know you did pbs terra, that's fun!

[@RayT70]

Actually, Orcas have the strongest bit force in the animal kingdom at 19,000 psi. 1:35

[@SorenAlba54]

As an immigrant who became a Floridian by moving into Ft. Lauderdale years ago, this video gets my approval. I recall learning about the American crocodile and how fascinating it was to know that we also have that kind of reptile here since it is famous by its smaller cousin. I was upset to hear about how their range have shrunk ever since the industrialization of this state but, because of the most unlikely scenario where they found sanctuary in a power plant, they saved themselves from extinction and manage to reclaim their former territories as the population grew. Very pleased to hear that one day, I could catch a glimpse of these supreme rulers of the waters somewhere. After all, if they survived the extinction of the dinosaurs, surely they could survive this as well.

[@Kyle_Spivis]

This is awesome! It’s a shame how devastated Florida’s ecosystems are. I’m glad the crocs have a refuge like this.

[@Vicki_Benji]

Those babies are so adorable, but would definitely grow up to try and eat my dog.

[@mikehillas]

Or you.

[@Vicki_Benji]

@@mikehillas that too.

[@zsigzsag]

Attacks are very rare. You more likely to get hit by lightning than attacked by a gator or croc. They can be very territorial and very aggressive defending their young and nests. Be cautious around bodies of water. Most of all NEVER feed them. Report if you see idiots doing this, I have, it is against the law!. This makes them lose their fear and approach humans. If one winds up in your yard or pool (this happens), steer clear of them and call wildlife services to get them removed.

[@peterlustig8021]

the newest advert for nuclear power plants XD "we saved the crocs!" *hides the barrels of waste*

[@jfbeam]

Oh, they're VERY visible. ('tho not barrels, but giant concrete casks.)

[@wrenmackenzie-fraser8656]

a testament to how safe for humans and nature modern nuclear is

[@tHebUm18]

Makes me wonder: could this nuclear power plant be built today or would it get stuck in endless environmental review over concerns about harming the crocodile population and other flora/fauna?

[@adamabronski5939]

Thank you Bob Bertleson & Mario!!!

[@TatianaBoshenka]

This is amazing. I had no idea there were crocodiles native to the Americas. So glad to hear they are recovering, as a species, and proud that a nuclear plant is helping them thrive.

[@thalmoragent9344]

Crocs are so unhinged man, gotta love them

[@Trojan0304]

Godzilla crocs coming🐊

[@dertythegrower]

they deleted my reply...

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

I like this. Go nature. This is a great thing.

[@santoast24]

Not too different from the tropical rainforest museum in mainland France that uses the bonus heat from a nearby nuclear powerplant

[@tauntingeveryone7208]

Do you have a link to that place? That sounds so cool and I would like to visit it.

[@davidkmillerphotography]

Wow. What an amazing documentary.

[@bavondale]

5:42 don't need an air boat. ur patrolling a known canal network. any regular engine will do

[@chrisforsyth8323]

Thank you!

[@ejohnson3131]

Sounds like the plot of the next Jaws or Godzilla movie!

[@TillerMicroSkiffs]

Check out the croc population over by cape sable in Everglades NP. I would watch an episode on that for sure!!!❤

[@tomdahmer7596]

Great work on science and on this beautiful and informative video. Thanks to Turkey Point for what appears to be long-term funding for croc work. Here's to a continued bright future for the crocs!

[@PolarBear_Gaming_More]

Easily one of my favorite KZbin Channels

[@dertythegrower]

they lied on this.. sadly. at three min in.

[@dertythegrower]

it is an ad.. iykyk

[@sergiom9958]

Since cocodriles are cold blooded animals and the exhaust water from the plant is hot; literally this is a heart warming story

[@amphibiandingoman9361]

It’s just a huuuge coincidence that they helped the croc but it’s great that they did. Could I please have exclusive access to fish the canals? I’m willing to make a cash payment of 7 dollars per year.

[@wes89]

You can see it from space!?!... Dude you can see everything from space.

[@Turnil321]

In France there is also a place were crocodiles are being kept warm because of a nuclear plant.

[@lauxmyth]

So glad they caught some of the babes and recorded the laser beam noise they make. I think it also true the eyes fire off lasers invisible to us but some disagree.

[@Metikoi]

I was hoping it was baby crocs that made the laser gun noise and was pleased to hear it was. Bleek! Bleek!

[@paulmorgan1009]

I love Reptiles! So cute.

[@organicvids]

48 hrs to cycle all that water, wow

[@lordsirbarksalot]

Living in Miami for 33 years now, still waiting for Super Croc to show up.

[@dertythegrower]

The plant is leaking and I am older than you.

[@pjesf]

Then they’ll make a movie - Croc Jaws

[@dertythegrower]

Also.. i have been told by elderly divers from black point marina there that the lobsters there in the east shipping lane from the plant is full of extra large lobster and fish(now they banned people doing it, and no you will be caught if you try, theyre not slow there...)

[@ALFforPresident]

@@dertythegrower yeah yeah and Godzilla takes his summer vacation there

[@galaxytraveler546]

I’m always immensely thankful for the people of this world who protect, love, and speak for the “undesirable” creatures. The ones that are scary, scaly, without fur, sharp teeth, beady eyes, ect. Somewhere along the line, we decided that things that aren’t deemed cute have a lesser right to life than other animals. And what a cruel judgement to make, playing God with Earth’s children. Everything has a role to play in nature. Thank you for keeping life in balance.

[@nonamenojane]

I really like Mike's enthusiasm and his way of teaching information. Its engaging and I would absolutely watch a show where Mike and his team took us on the job and taught us all about it.

[@dertythegrower]

they are salesman.. get real

[@katebowers8107]

Wait-North America has crocodiles?! I am how many years old and this is the first time I’ve heard this!?

[@TCraig00]

Yes North America has crocodiles. From Florida, Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico, down to Panama.

[@katebowers8107]

@@TCraig00 To be fair, they seem to be rare and no where near any place I’ve ever lived…

[@takenname8053]

Man I Love Crocodiles! and Alligators!

[@anthonyc8499]

Today I learned America has a nuclear powered Crocodile factory.

[@Fishing-RC-Florida]

I was looking at this on Google maps just two days ago😮 2:48

[@noahway13]

What is the difference between Crocodiles and Alligators? One will see ya later, one will catch you in a while.

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

That plant is nearing the end of its use cycle. What happens then?

[@rickybailey7123]

Thats a long ways it traveled from home grounds wow !

[@bankerdave888]

I say radioactivity is scarier than crocodiles! 🐊🐊🐊

[@carries6427]

They don’t live “side by side” one is salt water and the other is fresh water only. They rarely meet.

[@noneed4sleep64]

American crocs live in fresh water too, and gators are known to venture into brackish water, meaning they live side by side.

[@kermitwilson]

The reason why crocodiles are moving into this area is probably the same as many government owned areas like a lot of military posts or Hanford Nuclear Reservation. You keep the general public away from wild life, and the wildlife can behave some what normally. Without the tourists crowding in for pictures (Orcas in Puget Sound as an example), just look at tourists in Yellowstone trying to take selfies with grizzly bears and buffalo.

[@marvinreimer3507]

Yo how many different songs did you put into this? Changes 4 times a minute! Someone says a keyword and a "pensive music" starts playing

[@adurpandya2742]

Excellent pro-nuclear message

[@hairypotter259]

Cool stuff!

[@Mr.Anders0n_]

How to remember the difference between crocodiles and alligators: alligators look like crocs, minus the holes. Crocodiles look like gator bottles, but the salty water is around them instead of being contained within them

[@MrTheWaterbear]

Water’s warm. Done.

[@RianY2K]

Ini bunyinya crocodile klo udah besar kaya gini ya . "Halo dek..." "Halo dek... masih sekolah apa sudah kerja"

[@AquaTerra_life]

While its "cool" to find them in the cooling canals there are some even stranger places in Miami with resident crocs like a pond in Aventura and even weirder the artificial lake behind an office park in cutler bay

[@thebigoaktree8401]

I thought that the hyena had the strongest bite force. Said to be so strong that it pulverizes bone as well.

[@ashishpatel350]

and that is how godzilla will be born.

[@tauntingeveryone7208]

Now I am imagining a crocodile family having to move to these canals due to the increased prices of Florida's oceanside houses. Even the animal kingdom cannot accept rising housing prices.

[@egosumhomovespertilionem]

A: Because crocodiles like warm water. TLDR answer: American alligators are far more cold tolerant than American crocodiles, and alligators can even survive freezing temperatures for a time by engaging in a form of hibernation. Freezing temperatures, and even temperatures below 45-50 degrees F, will cause crocodiles to experience hypothermia, sink, and drown. So, while alligators can roam all over the southeastern United States, crocodiles are limited to the tip of Florida, because the climate and environment is similar to Caribbean islands like Cuba, Jamaica, and the coast of Central and South America.

[@badxradxandy]

Very cool

[@GiantEagle610]

No wonder Dexter Morgan decides to stay in Florida

[@christianbastori4477]

they toke out a 8foot american croc in my back yard lake here in miami fl

[@devluz]

So the answer to the question in the title is because the crocodiles were displaced by humans everywhere else but there they actively encourage them to live?

[@bebelives]

Thank you for the video

[@dertythegrower]

the lady lied.. it IS leaking

[@ralts6464]

Theyre now gatorclaw

[@joweb1320]

That nuke plant is going under water because of sea level rising.

[@dertythegrower]

it is confirmed leaking and i have lived there growing up ...

[@dertythegrower]

confirmed leaking 2016

[@MultiMattman68]

Eventually it will and probably by the end of this decade

[@drjekelmrhyde]

Nat geo or Discovery did a documentary about this a while back.

[@markos.5539]

I recognize that voice!

[@Mooooty]

I'm not entirely sure why the "Crocodile Hunter" kept calling crocodiles "extremely intelligent" so often. Maybe he meant it in comparison to other reptiles, but in reality, they’re not particularly intelligent.

[@robertprice836]

American Crocodile is also found in the Gulf of America.

[@biggerminds523]

Im 100% sure they dont know its a nuclear power plant. Its water , it has fish, and they are left alone because no people are there.

[@SluttChops]

No, they know. I told them.

[@jarihaukilahti]

i guess there were a lot of untold about the waters in turkey point -the fish life.. waterliving mammals, fish or invasive fish - brack water sharks? where do the birds nest , kinfishers etc

[@morrisonreed1]

Arent these called Caiman .Somewhat different from what is referred to as a Crocodile .They are nothing like the crocs of Africa and Asia

[@RichardBlazek-q8r]

I’m going to guess; warm water outflow

[@3452te]

Jeez, everytime they show miami, they put that music. Like i am Cuban American and it gets pretty old.

[@heinmadsen-leipoldt2341]

Crocs living in the waters close to nuclear power plants, don't they mutate?

[@CH3353N1NJ45]

Two thoughts:- How do these Crocodiles compare to fhe Australian Salt Water Crocodile ??? Did Steve Irwin ever either film ther or advise or give assistance to Florida Light & Power ????

[@AustonRotties]

Can I fish there

[@Escobamos]

Crocs and gators coexisting? This really is 2025

[@TCraig00]

They've been coexisting well before 2025.

[@Escobamos]

@TCraig00 next you'll tell me bloods and crips are homies

[@andrewemery4272]

The only two-headed, eight-eyed Crocodiles in the world ⚛️

[@anonperson3972]

Nuclear crocodiles. I think you need to change the channel title to PBS Terror

[@rb-pk8ds]

Ok, yayyy Crocodiles .. cool story. This is a bit off topic but - we have a nuclear plant south of Miami ... in the rising waters flood zone? Is that not something to worry about?