SATELLITE BEACH, Fla. — Some Satellite Beach residents say they remain concerned after a dog was found dead in the mouth of a crocodile this week.

Experts say the animals are normally a rare sight in Brevard County.

One expert says there are reasons the animals could be moving further north in Florida.

Brevard Zoo curator Mack Ralbovsky says the animals' population has increased in Florida, and they are looking to establish new territory.

"It could just be something of rising water temperatures, where they are able to come up a bit further and exist in and habitate those specific areas," he said.

Ralbovsky grew up in a family that did educational programs about reptiles like large snakes and crocodiles.

His specialty now is caring for two crocodiles named Gollum and Lilly.

"It's been instilled in me from a very young age, I've always loved working with them, they are a misunderstood species," he said.

While crocodiles in the wild typically stay to themselves, they are still considered an ambush predator.

"A lot of people have a fear response when they are thinking about crocodiles, that they are a very aggressive species," Ralbovsky said. "However, they are just very adaptive to the areas and locations they are living in."

He says crocodiles are very common in South Florida and South America.

Ralbovsky said he wants to continue educating zoo patrons about crocs, and to make sure they know to be cautious along the water's edge.

"It is important that we be safe in those areas where they might exist," he said.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is still investigating the Satellite Beach incident.