An American crocodile found wounded with a metal spear in the Florida Keys last week is healing well at Zoo Miami, officials say, and she will likely be able to be released back to the wild in the near future.
The eight-foot, female croc was spotted swimming in Key Largo with a three-foot spear sticking out of its head Oct. 18. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers and staff from Zoo Miami tried to rescue her, but she evaded capture until last Monday night.
Zoo Miami staff, led by veterinarian Dr. Gwen Myers, have removed the spear, but also found a bullet lodged in the croc’s left eye, per a statement from the zoo. The croc, which zoo staff named Brittany, will likely have permanent vision loss in that eye, the zoo said, adding Myers’ team does not plan to remove the bullet.
READ MORE: Florida Keys croc speared in head had been shot, too. Zoo Miami treating reptile
Dr. Gwen Myers, a veterinarian at Zoo Miami, operates on a crocodile Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, that was found in Key Largo days earlier with a spear lodged in her head
The wound from the spear is deep, but appears to be healing.
Veterinarians also found metal material, which they think is likely fishing gear, in the croc’s gastrointestinal tract, the zoo said.
Nevertheless, Brittany is making progress and showing signs of recovery. As soon as zoo staff let her outside to hang out in a stall, Brittany walked out of the shade to bask in the sun, the zoo said.
Zoo Miami staff stabilize an American crocodile after surgery to remove a spear that was lodged in its head. The reptile was found in Key Largo Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, with the three-foot spear sticking out of its head.
The zoo estimates Brittany is between 10 and 11 years old. According to the National Park Service, the lifespan of an American crocodile in the wild is between 50 and 70 years old.
The FWC has launched an investigation to try to find the person or people who injured Brittany.
American crocodiles are native to South Florida and are federally protected. It is illegal to kill or harass them per state and federal law.
Killing one is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison. They nearly went extinct in the late 20th Century due to hunting. Thanks to conservation efforts, their population in Florida went from the hundreds in the 1970s to well over 2,000 reptiles, the FWC estimates.
READ MORE: State changes stance on saltwater crocodiles in the Keys
Unlike their alligator cousins, which are known to occasionally attack people, American crocodiles are shyer and less aggressive. Attacks on people are very rare, although pets, especially those in homes along canals, have become their prey.
Investigators ask anyone with photos, videos or information about the incident to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. Tips can be anonymous. People who provide information that leads to an arrest or citation may qualify for a reward up to $1,000, the FWC said.