Crocodile Spotted in Lake Osceola Triggers Safety Alert at University of Miami

A crocodile sighting in Lake Osceola has prompted the University of Miami to issue a safety advisory, urging students and visitors to avoid the water's edge and not approach or feed any wildlife.

This is the first reported crocodile sighting in recent memory in Lake Osceola, a man-made freshwater lake located at the center of the university's Coral Gables campus. The lake is surrounded by winding footpaths used daily by students heading to class and campus events — and those passing by may now be doing so at a noticeably brisker pace.

Although artificial, Lake Osceola connects to Biscayne Bay through a series of canals that support a thriving ecosystem. Regular wildlife in the area includes manatees, turtles, ducks, ibis (the university's mascot, who goes by "Sebastian"), and snakes such as cottonmouths. While crocodiles and alligators are not permanent residents, their presence in South Florida's interconnected waterways is not uncommon, particularly during warmer months.

The university emphasized that the crocodile may appear calm while sunning itself or gliding along the surface, but it should be left alone. American crocodiles are federally protected, and while not typically aggressive, they can pose a danger if provoked or fed.

The sighting comes as the semester winds down; students completed final exams last week.

The Miami Herald reported that Chad Meredith, 18, drowned in November 2001, after Kappa Sigma fraternity leaders encouraged him to drink an excessive amount of alcohol at their fraternity house and later go for a swim. Meredith swam in the dark, cold lake around 4 a.m., where he had a panic attack and drowned.

"No Swimming" signs have been posted around the lake, and after Meredith's death, the university adopted a zero-tolerance policy, making swimming in the lake punishable by expulsion.

University officials are working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to monitor the situation. Anyone who sees the crocodile or observes unsafe wildlife behavior is urged to immediately contact campus security at 305-284-6666 or the FWC at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).