Troubling signs are emerging from the New River Lagoon, where scientists say crocodiles are in serious decline, and pollution may be to blame. A research team from Rio Bravo has found crocodiles suffering from severe health issues: emaciation, rotting tissue, skin discoloration, and even signs of immune system failure. Blood samples are now being analyzed to trace the impact of pollutants like agricultural runoffs, heavy metals, and banned chemicals such as DDT. Even more alarming, researchers observed a reduction in reproductive organ size in some crocodiles, pointing to possible long-term endocrine disruption. As apex predators, crocodiles are vital indicators of ecosystem health. And scientists are warning: if the crocs are in trouble, the entire watershed could be at risk. We’ll have more on this urgent environmental concern coming up.