American Alligator
Alligator mississippiensis
Quick answer
The American alligator is a large reptile native to the freshwater wetlands of the southeastern United States and a celebrated conservation success story after near-extinction. Males can grow over 4 m (13 ft) long, have one of the strongest bite forces ever measured, and may live 35 to 50 years. Unlike crocodiles, alligators have a broad, rounded snout.
American Alligator facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Alligator mississippiensis |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Habitat | Freshwater swamps, rivers, and marshes |
| Lifespan | 35–50 years in the wild |
| Weight | Up to 360 kg (800 lb) |
| Top speed | Up to 32 km/h (20 mph) in short bursts |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Crocodilia |
| Family | Alligatoridae |
| Genus | Alligator |
Where it lives
Freshwater swamps, rivers, and marshes of the southeastern United States.
Built for ambush
Alligators are ambush predators that lie almost completely submerged, with only their eyes and nostrils above the water, then explode forward to seize prey. Their jaws snap shut with enormous force, though the muscles that open the mouth are weak enough for a person to hold shut by hand.
Alligator or crocodile?
Alligators are easy to tell from crocodiles: they have a broad, rounded, U-shaped snout, and when the mouth is closed the lower teeth are mostly hidden. Alligators also prefer fresh water and are generally less aggressive toward people than the saltwater crocodile.
Ecosystem engineers
Alligators dig 'gator holes' that hold water during dry spells, creating refuges for fish, turtles, and birds and shaping entire wetland ecosystems. As a keystone species in the Everglades and other wetlands, they help keep prey populations and waterways in balance.
Conservation comeback
Hunted to the brink by the mid-20th century, the American alligator recovered dramatically after legal protection and is now listed as Least Concern, a landmark conservation success. It remains protected in part because it looks similar to the still-endangered American crocodile.
Frequently asked questions about the American Alligator
What is the difference between an alligator and a crocodile?
Alligators have a broad, rounded U-shaped snout and hide their lower teeth when the mouth is closed, while crocodiles have a narrower V-shaped snout with interlocking teeth visible. Alligators prefer fresh water and are generally less aggressive.
How long do American alligators live?
American alligators typically live 35 to 50 years in the wild, and some individuals in captivity have reached 70 years or more.
How fast can an alligator move?
Alligators can lunge and sprint on land at up to about 32 km/h (20 mph) over very short distances, but they tire quickly and are far more dangerous in the water.
Are American alligators endangered?
No longer. Once hunted to near-extinction, the American alligator recovered after legal protection and is now listed as Least Concern, one of the best-known conservation success stories in the United States.
Where do American alligators live?
They live in freshwater swamps, marshes, rivers, and lakes across the southeastern United States, with the largest populations in Florida and Louisiana.
