What is an Alligator?

An alligator is a carnivorous reptile in the family Alligatoridae, a branch of the crocodilian order, Crocodilia. There are two living species of alligator today, found in North America and China, with the Chinese Alligator being considered critically endangered. These crocodilians have an infamous reputation, thanks to their ability to take down prey much larger than themselves, and their tendency to be territorial and very aggressive.

Both the American and Chinese Alligator have a number of traits in common. They have sturdy, muscular bodies with long, blunt snouts lined with a formidable array of teeth. These reptiles use their long tails for balance, gripping prey with their teeth and then throwing their prey off-balance in a maneuver known as the “death roll.” Unlike their closely related cousins, the true crocodiles, alligators lack protruding lower teeth, so when their jaws are closed, no teeth are visible.

Of course, if you get close enough to an alligator to discover it's not a crocodile, it may be too late. Alligators are very aggressive carnivores, and they are confident eating a range of foods, from fish to oxen. Their thick, scaly skin protects them from any potential predators, and their sharp hearing ensures that they can hear prey from quite a distance.

Alligators prefer to live close to water, periodically beaching themselves to bask in the sun. They communicate with coughs, growls, and other vocalizations, with small alligators living in groups, while larger adult alligators live alone. Female alligators are usually responsible for raising the young; they supervise the eggs while they incubate, and teach the baby alligators how to navigate the world.

The name “alligator” comes from the Spanish el legarto, “the lizard.” American Alligators are formally known as Alligator mississippiensis, while Chinese Alligators go by A. sinensis. Both species have historically been hunted for their skin, a valuable source of leather for luxury items, along with their dense, lean flesh. In China, hunting and habitat constrictions have proved to be a serious problem for Chinese Alligators.

The American Alligator has become famous in the American South, where these creatures were once widely distributed. American Alligators actually play a very active role in the wetlands they inhabit, by creating large depressions in the banks known as gator holes. These holes collect freshwater, creating a habitat and source of water for other animals in the wetlands.

Alligators and crocodiles are often confused, but they have distinct differences. Alligators have a wider, U-shaped snout, while crocodiles have a narrower, V-shaped snout. Alligators also tend to have darker, more muted skin tones compared to the lighter, olive or tan hues of crocodiles. Additionally, when an alligator's mouth is closed, only the upper teeth are visible, unlike crocodiles where both sets of teeth are exposed.

Alligators have a remarkable lifespan, with many living up to 35-50 years in the wild. In captivity, their lifespan can extend even further, with some individuals reaching over 70 years of age. Their longevity is attributed to their slow metabolism and dominance in their aquatic habitats, which reduces threats from predators.

Alligators are opportunistic feeders with a diet that varies based on their size and available prey. Juveniles typically consume insects, small fish, and frogs, while adults can take down larger prey such as fish, birds, turtles, and mammals. They are known for their powerful bite, which allows them to tackle sizable and tough-skinned prey with ease.

Alligators are primarily found in freshwater environments in the southeastern United States, with the highest populations in Florida and Louisiana. They inhabit swamps, rivers, lakes, and marshes. According to the National Park Service, the Everglades National Park in Florida is one of the most famous habitats, hosting a large population of these reptiles.

Alligators typically mate in the spring, with females building nests made of vegetation in summer. They lay 20 to 50 eggs, which they guard fiercely until they hatch after about 65 days. The temperature of the nest determines the sex of the hatchlings, with warmer nests producing males and cooler ones yielding females, a phenomenon known as temperature-dependent sex determination.

Once on the brink of extinction due to hunting and habitat loss, alligators have made a significant recovery. They were removed from the endangered species list in 1987, thanks to conservation efforts and regulated hunting. However, they are still protected under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to prevent overharvesting and ensure their populations remain stable.