American Alligator
Alligator mississippiensis · Reptile, Vertebrate, Cold-blooded, Wild
Animal Family
Family Alligatoridae, order Crocodilia, class Reptilia
Animal Category
Reptile/Amphibian
Breed / Variety
Wild American Alligator
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, with a stable population trend following successful conservation recovery programs.
About This Creature
Large reptile with a robust, armored body, long muscular tail, and a broad snout. Adults typically range from 8 to 11 feet in length and weigh between 400 and 800 pounds. Dark olive, brown, or nearly black in color with yellowish-white underbellies.
Physical Characteristics
Four short limbs, powerful webbed feet, heavily armored with bony plates called osteoderms embedded in the skin. Broad, rounded snout with teeth in the upper jaw overlapping the lower jaw when closed.
Behavior & Temperament
Solitary, semi-aquatic ambush predators. Generally wary of humans but can become dangerous if fed or cornered. Diurnal and nocturnal depending on temperature.
Habitat & Diet
Origin Region
Southeastern United States, ranging from North Carolina to southern Texas
Habitat
Wetland/Marsh, Freshwater (River/Lake), Semi-aquatic
Diet & Nutrition
Carnivore, feeding on fish, turtles, snakes, birds, and small mammals. Uses ambush hunting strategies near water margins.
Lifespan & Health
Lifespan of 50 years or more in the wild. Predators include humans and large birds of prey for juveniles; apex predators as adults.
Special Characteristics
Possesses a powerful bite force, excellent night vision, and specialized valves in ears and nose to keep water out while submerged.
Ecological Information
Keystone species that creates 'gator holes' which retain water during dry spells and provide vital habitat for numerous other wetland species.