WildlifeOS develops sonar system to detect alligators in Florida waters

A Miami technology company is building a device to detect alligators and crocodiles beneath the surface of Florida waterways.

The system, named Croc Alarm, aims to warn people when a reptile is nearby. WildlifeOS, the firm behind the project, is developing the technology in response to recent dangerous encounters in the state. The device uses sonar imaging and artificial intelligence to scan underwater areas continuously. It identifies potential threats and sends alerts to users in real time.

Public concern about these animals has increased following a series of incidents this year. In October, an alligator attack in Winter Garden resulted in a fatality, shocking residents of Orange County. Earlier in June, a father and son were on a fishing trip in Marion County when an alligator attacked one of them. The father attempted to force the animal's jaws open during the struggle.

Rodolfo Saccoman, founder and chief executive officer of WildlifeOS, explained how the device will communicate with users. The system will display color-coded indicators on a phone application. A green light means no threat is detected. Yellow indicates the system is processing data. Red signals that an alligator or crocodile has been identified in the vicinity.

The company is currently building prototypes and planning real-world testing. Saccoman stated that the team will prioritize accuracy before releasing the product to the public. “We will never put this device out at scale unless we’re really confident of the accuracy,” he said. The goal is to ensure the technology can reliably distinguish reptiles from other underwater objects and conditions.

According to the project's current schedule, a potential rollout is planned for next year. The developers intend to validate the system's performance in actual water environments before making it widely available. The technology is designed to provide an additional layer of awareness for people near lakes, ponds, and canals.

Until the device is fully tested, experts recommend that residents and visitors continue using established safety practices around Florida waterways. The system is intended to reduce dangerous encounters by providing warnings before someone unknowingly approaches a reptile. It is not yet a replacement for standard precautions.