A team of University of Florida scientists have discovered a trio of Nile crocodiles from Africa lurking in the swamps of Florida.

Researchers were able to identify the reptiles as members of the second-largest reptile species through DNA testing. All of the creatures were captured in the wild in 2009, 2011 and 2014.

There Could be Other Crocs Across Florida

Recently published in the journal of Herpetological Conservation and Biology, researchers added the discovery could be just the tip of the iceberg, as there could be more of the reptiles lurking across the Sunshine State.

"The odds that the few of us who study Florida reptiles have found all of the Nile crocs out there is probably unlikely," Kenneth Krysko, herpetology collections manager at the Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida indicated in a statement.

He later added, "We know that they can survive in the Florida wilderness for numerous years, we know that they grow quickly here and we know their behavior in their native range, and there is no reason to suggest that would change here in Florida."

In Africa, the creatures have a dangerous reputation that include them being responsible for at least 480 attacks on humans over a four-year period beginning in 2010. Of the attacks, 123 ended in fatalities.

By comparison, the International Shark Attack File reports 2015 saw 98 unprovoked shark attacks worldwide and six deaths.

Nile crocodiles can grow to be as long as 18 feet and come to weight as much as a small vehicle.

The last decade has seen large quantities of the creatures imported to the U.S. from such places as South Africa and Madagascar, but scientists are convinced the state's exotic pet trade is responsible for introducing the latest onsalught across the state.

Researchers Hoping Discovery Serves as Wake-Up Call

Given its subtropical surroundings, Florida owns the world's largest number of invasive species.

"My hope as a biologist is that the introduction of Nile crocodiles in Florida opens everyone's eyes to the problem of invasive species that we have here in our state," Krysko said. "Now here's another one, but this time it isn't just a tiny house gecko from Africa."

Nile crocodiles are described as generalist predators, meaning everything from birds, mammals to even other crocodiles and alligators are among their prey.

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