Researchers in Florida are planning to launch an experiment to determine whether or not magnets can be used to ward off American Crocodiles from residential areas. A similar study was conducted at Mexico's Crocodile Museum in Chiapas with positive results.
It is believed that crocodiles rely on the Earth's electro-magnetic field to travel between territories. By temporarily taping magnets to the side of the crocs head from the time of capture and during relocation, the animal would become disoriented and essentially lost; therefore it will be unable to back-track to the residential area. To read more about this story please follow this link: http://www.nationalpost.com/story.html?id=1325425
What amazes me about this story is the fact that researchers are really putting an effort into balancing the need for public safety with the protection/well-being of the threatened American Crocodile. Ten years ago I went to Costa Rica for a graduate school trip. While there, I was fortunate to see an estimated 10 foot, 70+ year old American Crocodile. Both my professor and tour guide were amazed because seeing such a magnificent creature like this alive while sun bathing on the beach was rare. Needless to say, we did not stay in the area long. Back then, the croc was protected as an endangered specie. Now, the American Croc has been upgraded to threatened status thanks to researchers and conservationists who work long and hard to come up with ways to keep this magnificent and ancient animal safe from human encroachment.
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