American Alligators

American Alligators By: Alexandra Schiavoni

Table of Contents Habitat ............................. Page 3 Diet .................................. Page 4 Life Cycle ......................... Page 5 Anatomy & Size ............... Page 6 Habits & Danger............... Page 7 Alligators vs. Crocodiles.. Page 8 Glossary............................ Page 9 More info.......................... Page 10

Habitat American alligators live in the southern part of the United States in states such as Florida and Louisiana. These large reptiles live near freshwater lakes, rivers, and swamps. They like calm waters where the temperature is warm and the water is muddy. Swamps and bayous are perfect habitats for American Alligators.

This water is perfect.  Warm and muddy, just the way I like it!

Food Chain Delicious

Alligator Diet

When they are young, alligators eat mostly insects. Adult alligators are carnivores which means that they eat meat. They like to feed on fish, turtles, snakes, and small mammals.

Life Cycle Male alligators make a large roar to attract females when they are ready to mate. Females make a nest once they are pregnant and lay 35-50 eggs. The temperature of the nest determines if the alligators will be male or female. In August when the baby alligators are ready to hatch from eggs, they make a screeching sound. Most American alligators live to be about 50 years old.

Alligator mating calls

Scales

Nostrils Strong lungs

Flat Tail

Alligator Anatomy Alligators spend most of the lives in water. Their flat tails help them propel through the water and the nostrils on top of their snouts help them to breath air while their bodies are underwater. They can spend up to five hours underwater without breathing!

Alligator size American alligators can grow to be as long as 10 feet and weigh as much as 1,000 pounds. Male gators tend to be larger than females.

Alligator Habits Mother alligators are very protective of their young. The baby alligators stay together in “pods” near their mother up until they are three years old.

Weeeee!!!

Are they dangerous?

I may have sharp teeth, but I like to swallow my prey whole. 

Alligators can be dangerous if a human gets too close. They do not usually eat humans are will normally walk away when they see one. Mother alligators are very protective of their nests and babies and will attack to keep them safe.

Alligators vs. Crocodiles

On the head, the snout of an alligator is U-shaped and the snout of a crocodile is V-shaped. Crocodiles are typically larger and longer than alligators.

Alligators and crocodiles may look similar but there are key differences. One of biggest differences is the color of the body. Alligators have a dark green body color and crocodiles are often a tanish color. Also, crocodiles are usually showing their teeth and are known to be very aggressive. Click here to watch a video!

Glossary Anatomy:

The body structure of an animal

Bayou:

The swampy part of a lake or river

Carnivore: An animal that eats meat Mammal:

Warm blooded animal that has fur and gives birth

Propel:

To push forward in water

Reptile:

Animals with dry scaly skin who lay eggs

Click these sites to find more information! Alligators vs. Crocodiles

American Alligators

National Geographic National Geographic Kids American Alligator Video Alligator Fact Video

More Facts Fun Facts

Credits

1. Srelherp.uga.edu 2. Nationalgeographic.com 3. Fws.gov 4. Myfwc.com 5. Reptilepark.com.au