Unwanted reptiles find a home at Croc Encounters

TAMPA (FOX 13) - They may appear crawly and scary to some, but at Croc Encounters in Tampa, appearance isn’t everything.

The reptiles that the local sanctuary takes in are considered to be “unwanted,” and the creatures can make Croc Encounters their habitat.  The facility is home alligators and crocodiles -- which is a given by the name of the sanctuary -- but it also houses alligator snapping turtles, boa constrictors, bearded dragons and more.

Croc Encounters was established in January 2005 as a non-profit sanctuary and a family-operated facility. It is open to the public for tours and events. Volunteers and donations are welcome. 

The sanctuary can be found at 8703 Bowles Road in Tampa and is open on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.