In a While Crocodile! Traditional Cache
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Size: 
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This geocache is located at the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge headquarters, which was established in 1980 to protect and preserve critical habitat for the endangered American Crocodile.
The mangrove wetlands of the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge provide habitat, solitude, and the only known nesting area on Key Largo for the American Crocodile. Mangrove forests fringing the shoreline also support a wide variety of wildlife including wading birds and songbirds, as well as serving as important nursery habitats for many fish species.
The refuge also protects a unique tropical hardwood hammock, which supports a high diversity of plant species, 80% of which are of West Indian origin. The refuge and the adjacent Key Largo Hammock State Botanical Site contain the largest continuous tract of hardwood forest remaining in the Florida Keys. Nearly 100 species of native trees and shrubs can be found in these hammocks, more than found in some entire states! These forests are home to several endangered and threatened species including the Key Largo woodrat, Key Largo cotton mouse, Schaus swallowtail butterfly, Eastern indigo snake and Stock Island tree snail. Hardwood hammocks also provide important seasonal habitat for migratory neotropical songbirds and permanent homes to colorful tree snails and butterflies.
Due to the small size of the refuge and sensitivity of the habitat and wildlife to human disturbance, the refuge is closed to general public use. A single disturbance to a female crocodile could cause her to abandon her nest leaving the nest unguarded against predators. An interpreted butterfly garden is open to public access next to the refuge headquarters. The garden and office is located on State Road 905, approximately two miles north of US1 at mile marker 106 in Key Largo. The Public can visit the self-guided nature trail located at the Key Largo Hammocks State Botanical Site adjacent to the refuge to see similar habitat and wildlife species.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: ONLY REFUGE STAFF MAY PLACE CACHES ON REFUGE LANDS. ANY ILLEGAL CACHES WILL BE REMOVED.
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