American Alligator

Question 1

How is an alligator different from a crocodile?

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

How big is an American alligator?

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

What are the three stages of breeding for the American alligator?

Answer 3

Courtship: April
Breeding: May
Nest built and eggs laid: June/early July

Question 4

What is the American alligator’s incubation period?

Answer 4

Around 65 days

Question 5

How many offspring does the American alligator have?

Answer 5

35 - 50

World record is 88

Question 6

At what age do American alligators reach sexual maturity?

Answer 6

10 - 12 years old and 6 feet long.

Males reach maturity earlier.

Question 7

What is the lifespan of the American alligator?

Answer 7

Wild: 35 - 50 years
Captivity: 65 - 80 years

Question 8

What is the habitat and range of the American alligator?

Answer 8

It is found in freshwater swamps, marshes, rivers, lakes, and some smaller bodies of water throughout the southern and southeastern United States.

Question 9

What is the scientific name of the American alligator?

Answer 9

Alligator mississipiensis

Question 10

What do American alligators eat?

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

How does the American alligator hunt?

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

Why does the American alligator balance sticks on its head?

Answer 12

They balance nesting materials on their head to get birds close so they can catch them easily.

Question 13

Are American alligators social?

Answer 13

Young alligators will get together in groups near where they are born to better protect themselves from predators. Adults are solitary.

Question 14

What are some predators of the American alligator?

Answer 14

Young can be caught by birds, snakes, fish, and medium-sized mammals. Adults are an apex predator.

Question 15

What do alligators do when it gets cold?

Answer 15

They dig long burrows and sit in them in a state of dormancy.

Question 16

How do American alligators communicate vocally?

Answer 16

Young alligators squeak or whine to call to their mother. Adults bellow and roar. The bellow can be heard up to 165 yards away. They will also purr when courting. They will hiss when threatened.

Question 17

How do American alligators communicate verbally?

Answer 17

They will slap the water, raise their heads, blow bubbles, make vibrations in the water, and make ripples.

Question 18

What are some of the adaptions of the American alligator?

Answer 18

Webbed feet and strong tail: Allows for easy swimming.
Crushing jaws: Exert over 2000 psi.
Increased temperature resistance: Can survive in water that has begun to freeze. Found further north than any other crocodillian.

Question 19

What is an American alligator’s role in its habitat?

Answer 19

They build “alligator holes”, which are small ponds. They are invaluable for other species. Some species will use old alligator nests for their nests. Alligators also control prey populations.

Question 20

How long have crocodillians been around?

Answer 20

83.5 million years. Late cretaceous period.

Question 21

Is the American alligator endangered?

Answer 21

No, it is listed as least concern. However, it was once very endangered because of hunting for its skin and meat. They were very popular in the fashion trade. They are still protected in many areas to make sure populations stay stable and to make sure people do not kill American crocodiles by mistake.

Question 22

Can alligators climb?

Answer 22

Somewhat. They can scale fallen trees to bask.

Question 23

What states have the American alligator as their state reptile?

Answer 23

Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Question 24

Are alligators good mothers?

Answer 24

Yes. The mother is extremely protective of her young. She will even carry them in her mouth.

Question 25

Do alligators kill humans?

Answer 25

Yes, but they are not as aggressive as crocodiles. Incidents are few and far between.

Question 26

How many calories does alligator meat contain?

Answer 26

200 calories. 27 from fat.

Question 27

How long can alligators hold their breath?

Answer 27

Over an hour