American Alligator Flashcards
How is an alligator different from a crocodile?
Alligators have “U” shaped snouts, whereas crocodiles have “V” shaped ones. Crocodiles can live in brackish or saltwater bodies of water, whereas alligators live in fresh water (because they have no salt glands). The alligator’s upper jaw is larger, meaning the lower teeth cannot be seen when the mouth is shut.
How big is an American alligator?
Males: 13 - 14.7 feet.
Females: 10 feet.
Weight: Up to 1,000 pounds.
There are unverified and unlikely records of alligators over 16 feet long.
What are the three stages of breeding for the American alligator?
Courtship: April
Breeding: May
Nest built and eggs laid: June/early July
What is the American alligator’s incubation period?
Around 65 days
How many offspring does the American alligator have?
35 - 50
World record is 88
At what age do American alligators reach sexual maturity?
10 - 12 years old and 6 feet long.
Males reach maturity earlier.
What is the lifespan of the American alligator?
Wild: 35 - 50 years
Captivity: 65 - 80 years
What is the habitat and range of the American alligator?
It is found in freshwater swamps, marshes, rivers, lakes, and some smaller bodies of water throughout the southern and southeastern United States.
What is the scientific name of the American alligator?
Alligator mississipiensis
What do American alligators eat?
Young: Small fish, snails, insects, and amphibians.
Adults: Fish, turtles, snakes, birds, and small mammals. Sometimes eats fruit and larger mammals like deer.
It is the only known predator of the cougar. They also eat fruit from time to time.
How does the American alligator hunt?
Ambush predator. It lies in wait in the water, often under the cover of night. It will catch and swallow small prey whole. Larger prey is dragged into the water and drowned before being torn to pieces.
Why does the American alligator balance sticks on its head?
They balance nesting materials on their head to get birds close so they can catch them easily.
Are American alligators social?
Young alligators will get together in groups near where they are born to better protect themselves from predators. Adults are solitary.
What are some predators of the American alligator?
Young can be caught by birds, snakes, fish, and medium-sized mammals. Adults are an apex predator.
What do alligators do when it gets cold?
They dig long burrows and sit in them in a state of dormancy.