*Top 15* Amazing Alligator Facts!
As astonishing as it sounds, Alligators have been on Earth for over 80 million years! Which means that they were around during the time of dinosaurs.
Unlike crocodiles – who can survive in both fresh and salt water – alligators can only survive in fresh water. Which explains why there are 24 crocodile species, but only two Alligator species – American and Chinese.
In addition, Alligators play an important role in wetland ecosystems. They create “gator holes” that help other animals survive during dry seasons.
Read on to learn more amazing Alligator facts!
1) Alligators are Reptiles
Alligators are reptiles, which means that they are cold blooded, egg laying animals that are completely covered in scales. Since alligators breathe air through their lungs, they cannot breathe underwater.
2) There are 2 Alligator Species
There are only 2 Alligator species – American and Chinese. (In contrast, there are 24 Crocodile Species). As amazing as it sounds, the only two places in the world where alligators live are the U.S. and China!
3) American Alligators live in the Southeastern U.S.
American Alligators live in 10 southeastern U.S. states: 1) Florida 2) Louisiana 3) Georgia 4) Alabama 5) Mississippi 6) South Carolina 7) North Carolina 8) Texas 9) Oklahoma 10) Arkansas. They can be found in rivers, ponds, swamps, and lakes.
American Alligators are much larger then Chinese Alligators. They grow to 10-15 feet and weigh 500-1,000 pounds.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
4) Chinese Alligators live in Eastern China
Chinese Alligators live in a small area in the Yangtze River basin near the Pacific Ocean. Sadly, there are only 100-200 left in the wild.
Averaging around 80 pounds, Chinese Alligators are much smaller than American Alligators. They grow to 5-7 feet, which is half as long as an American Alligator.
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
5) Alligators live in Fresh Water
Alligators live in fresh water. Due to natural selection, they are dark skinned so they can blend in with dark, murky water.
In contrast, Crocodiles can live in fresh or salt water. They live in coastal habitats and are light skinned so they can blend in with sand.
6) Alligators have a U-shaped Mouth
Alligators have a powerful U-shaped mouth that helps them crush bones and shells. When an alligator closes its mouth only its top teeth are still visible.
In contrast, Crocodiles have a narrow V-shaped snout that helps them grip prey. When a crocodile closes its mouth both their top and bottom teeth are still visible.
7) Alligators and Crocodiles co-exist in the Everglades
Alligators can only survive in fresh water. Crocodiles can live in both fresh and salt water. The Everglades in southern Florida has both – the Florida Bay fresh water meets the Gulf of Mexico salt water. As a result, it is the only ecosystem in the world where alligators and crocodiles co-exist.
8) Alligators………
* Are nocturnal (They are most active between dusk and dawn)
* Can hold their breath for several hours
* Can go 4-5 days without eating
* Dig tunnels (“gator holes”) in the mud to protect from heat or cold
* Are afraid of humans unless provoked or defending their young
* Close their jaws with enough force to break bones. But have almost no muscle power when opening their jaws
* Go through 2,000-3,000 teeth in their lifetime
9) Female Alligators lay 20-70 Eggs
Alligator mating season is from April-June. Pregnant females build a nest on land made out of dirt, branches, and leaves. Then they lay 20-70 eggs at one time.
Raccoons, birds, snakes, feral pigs, and other alligators try to steal the eggs and eat them. Mother alligators are fiercely protective of their nests.
10) Nest Location determines the Hatchling’s Sex
As unbelievable as it sounds, the location of an alligator nest determines the hatching’s sex. If the nest is located in the sun, the hatchlings will all be born male! And if the nest is located in the shade, they will be born female!
11) Baby Alligators Break out of their Eggs with a Tooth
Around 65 days after the eggs are laid, alligator hatchings make a yelping noise from inside their eggs. This alerts their mother that they are coming and she starts to dig an opening in the nest.
The hatchlings break out of their eggs with a special Egg Tooth that sticks out of the edge of their snout. If necessary, the mother will open eggs with her teeth.
12) Mother Alligators carry Newborn Babies to the Water
After the hatchlings break out of their eggs, their mother carries them to the water in her mouth. Then they sit on top of her as she swims. (Below picture).
Alligators are one of the few reptiles that care for their young. Females guard their nests and protect their babies for over a year after they hatch. The hatchlings call out to their mother with a chirping sound when they are in danger.
Sadly, 80% of baby alligators do not make it through the first year. They are eaten by raccoons, large fish, birds, and even other alligators.
13) Albino Alligators have White Skin and Red Eyes
Due to a genetic defect, Albino Alligators are not able to produce melanin. As a result, their skin is white. And their eyes are red because the blood vessels located behind their eye sockets show through.
If an Albino Alligators stays in the sun too long, it will get sunburn. And since they are unable to hide from predators, they are not able to survive in the wild.
14) Leucistic Alligators have White Skin and Blue Eyes
Unlike Albino Alligators, Leucistic Alligators have small amounts of pigment. Therefore, they have white skin with patches of color and blue eyes. (In contrast, the average alligator – who has normal amounts of pigment – has dark eyes).
15) Alligators have a “Least Concern” Conservation Status
Alligators have long been hunted for their skin (used for leather) and meat. By the 1950s they were on the brink of extinction.
In1967 (and later in the 1973 Endangered Species Act) Alligators were designated as Endangered. Hunting alligators was prohibited and their habitat was protected.
Fortunately, American Alligators made a dramatic recovery and in 1987 they were removed from the endangered species list. Their current Conservation Status is Least Concern.
Final Thoughts
It’s incredible to think that alligators have been around since the time of dinosaurs. They have adapted to changing climates and maintained their place at the top of the freshwater food chain.
If you enjoyed these alligator facts, share this post with a friend who loves learning about amazing animals!
