Alligator mississippiensis
The American Alligator as a species is more than 150 million years old, dating to well before the dinosaurs died off. They were hunted to the point of becoming endangered during the last century, but now are no longer endangered. In fact, their numbers have rebounded greatly, with millions in the southeast, including over 1 million each in Florida and Louisiana. I’ve found finding them in Florida in recent years to be a very easy task indeed.
What do American alligators look like? They have dark skin with small, bony scales and very sharp teeth – they have up to 80 teeth in their mouth which are replaced as they are worn down. Males grow slightly larger than females, up to 12-15 feet or so (females are closer to 10 feet). Their nostrils face upward in the water so they can breathe while submerging the rest of their body in the water.
How can you tell them apart from crocodiles in Florida? Their snouts are more rounded. In addition, a crocodiles’ teeth are more easily visible when mouth is closed.
Where can you find American Alligators? Southeastern United States. Most are in Florida and Louisiana, although they get as far north as North Carolina. They like to hang out near freshwater lakes, rivers, marshes and swamps, both in the water and basking by the water.
What do they eat? Fish, turtles, raccoons, birds, small mammals, frogs
What are baby alligators called? Hatchlings
What does an alligator family look like? Daddy gators seek out their mates in May and June, often riding higher in the water (making their bodies more visible) as a result. Mommy gators lay between 20 and 60 eggs in June to mid-July. The mother then defends the nest for 65 days. Once the hatchlings emerge, the mother carries them down to the water. She will defend her young for more than a year. Hatchlings start out only about 6 to 8 inches in length, but grow about 6 inches a year. Up to 80 percent of young alligators are eaten by prey such as birds or raccoons.
How long do they live? They can live more than 60 years
Do they hibernate? No, they bromate under 55 degrees Fahrenheit where they become lethargic. They create alligator holes during the winter dry season where they bromate. If their water freezes over, they will leave just their snouts above the frozen water so they can still breathe. In the Everglades, they do congregate near watering spots in the winter together.
Are they nocturnal? They are both nocturnal and diurnal meaning they are active both day and night.
Are they endangered? No they are of least concern, according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with an increasing population.
Where can I found out more about American alligators? Check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation page about American alligators to learn more.
What else is interesting about the American Alligator? Alligators can frequently be seen out of the water sitting around. They are basking in the sun in an attempt to warm themselves. On hot summer days, they sometimes will bask with their mouths open in an attempt to cool down. Everglades National Park is the best place to spot them – try the winter, when they congregate in large groups at water sites.
Sightings
Everglades National Park, Florida
Blue Springs State Park, Florida
More:
American Alligator Counting Game: