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Alligator Facts

The American Alligator

Welcome to the fascinating world of the American alligator, scientifically named the Alligator Mississippiensis! This remarkable reptile has captivated the imaginations of people for centuries, leading to fascinating folklore and myths. Known for their prehistoric appearance and impressive size and presence, American alligators are often seen as symbols of the wetlands they inhabit. Alligators are classified as apex predators, meaning they are animals that live at the top of the food chain. Alligators have no natural predators other than humans and other alligators, giving them an extremely important role in balancing the ecosystem of the southern wetlands. Furthermore, alligators play a crucial role in their ecosystem, helping to control the population of various species and creating habitats for other wildlife. Despite once being an endangered species, alligators remain a highly respected animal in the United States, with strict laws limiting the overhunting and capturing of the species.

Native Habitat

If you ever find yourself in the southern wetlands, chances are you are among the presence of the American Alligator! Alligators can be found all throughout the American South, but are primarily found in Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, and the eastern side of Texas. Louisiana has the highest alligator population, housing an estimated two million alligators throughout the state! Alligators are freshwater animals that thrive in marshes, swamps, bayous, lakes, and slow moving rivers/creeks. Unlike crocodiles, who’s bodies can tolerate high salinity in water, alligators can only survive for short periods of time in salty water. American alligators are coldblooded animals, meaning that they rely on the temperature of the environment they live in to maintain their body temperature. This reason is why alligators are often seen lounging around under the sun!

Conservation

The American alligator has not always populated the south with the numbers we see today. By the mid 1900s, the American alligator had nearly been hunted to extinction before being placed on the list of endangered species in 1967. Although alligators are no longer classified as an endangered species, ecological issues including erosion and salt water intrusion are major threats to their native habitats. Regulations restricting alligator hunting, along with sustainable wild harvest initiatives are among many projects aimed to conserve and manage the South’s alligator population. Likewise, educational programs aim to raise awareness about the ecological importance of alligators as apex predators, and help to balance the  ecosystems native to alligators. Through ongoing research and sustainable practices, the American South continues to work toward promoting the safety of American alligators in their natural habitats.

What’s the difference between Alligators and Crocodiles?

Alligators and Crocodiles often get confused due to their similar appearances, however, there are many tricks that you can use to differentiate the two! Habitat is the most obvious identifier, as south Florida is the only destination in the United States where crocodiles live natively. If you do find yourself in southern Florida trying to determine if the aquatic lizard in front of you is an alligator or a crocodile, start by looking at their snouts. Alligators tend to have broader builds, with snouts that form a U shape. Crocodiles, on the other hand, are more narrow in build, and tend to have snouts that form a V shape. Additionally, alligators are generally darker than crocodiles, giving them a good camouflage for the murky freshwaters of the American south. Crocodiles, which prefer brackish and coastal salt-water habitats, are more green in color. If you spot a crocodile in southern Florida, consider yourself extremely lucky! Crocodiles in Florida are extremely rare, with an estimated population of 1,000 living in the southern tip of the state. Alligators are known to be fairly docile and less aggressive in comparison to Crocodiles. If you encounter one, leave them alone and they will more than likely do the same!

The American Alligator’s Diet

American alligators are strictly carnivorous, meaning they primarily consume meat. Their diet mainly consists of fish, amphibians, birds, and small mammals; however, a large adult alligator may also feast on wild boar and even deer. They are opportunistic feeders, meaning they take advantage of any prey that is available in their habitats. The average adult male ranges between 10 and 15 feet, with nearly half of its length being an extremely strong and powerful tail. A male alligator typically weighs in between 500-600 pounds, about half the weight of a cow! In contrast, female alligators tend to be less than 10 feet in length. The diet of an American alligator varies with the seasons. In warmer months, alligators will usually eat more frequently due to increased activity levels of prey species. Conversely, during colder months, their metabolism slows down, leading to reduced feeding.

Did You Know?

• The name “alligator” likely stemmed from the Spanish phrase “el lagarto,” which translates to “the lizard.”
• Although alligators are reptiles, they are not lizards. They fall into their own category called “Crocodilians.”
• Despite being classified as reptiles, the crocodilian species is more closely related to birds than they are to other reptilians such as snakes and lizards. This is because alligators share a common ancestor with birds, the dinosaurs!
• The first record of crocodilians (this includes alligators, crocodiles, caimans, gharials, etc) dates back to 83.5 million years ago during the Cretaceous period!
• The American alligator only has eighteen toes, with five toes on their front legs, and four toes on their back legs!
• Fossil evidence maintains that American alligators have roamed North America for at least seven to eight million years.
• Alligators can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour in water, and 35 miles per hour on land! Don’t worry though, alligators can only maintain that land speed for short sprints!
• Alligators have both diurnal and nocturnal capabilities, giving them the ability to be effective hunters during the day and at night! Despite this, alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.
• In the wild, alligators typically live between 30-50 years; however, this number increases in captivity, where alligators live between 60-80 years.
• You can meet alligators on our New Orleans airboat swamp tours. We also have combination swamp and plantation tours for your convenience.