At one time, the American Crocodile lived in most lowland areas of Central America. This powerful animal was excessively hunted for its valuable skin and because they were believed to pose a threat. By the 1960s, they were exterminated from much of their former range. A concentrated effort in the 1980s and 1990s helped this crocodile return to more of its former home ranges, and now it lives in protected areas along both coasts in Costa Rica.

Adult American Crocodiles do not have any predators, with the exception of large sharks, humans, and sometimes a large jaguar. This species is capable of reaching lengths that make it one of the largest crocs in the world. However, large individuals have been intentionally targeted, so crocodiles longer than 4 m are rare. Although the crocodile has a menacing reputation and certainly should not be provoked, individuals large enough to kill humans have become very scarce. The crocodile is still endangered. Poaching is still an issue, and many populations are affected or threatened by habitat destruction in the Tropics.