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.
Key takeaway
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 overview
American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is an reptile listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight Up to 360 kg (800 lb); lifespan around 35–50 years in the wild.
American Alligator ecology
Diet: Carnivore. Habitat: Freshwater swamps, rivers, and marshes. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
American Alligators and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild american alligators are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full American Alligator profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
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.
Sources
American Alligator FAQs
What are key facts about american alligators?
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.
What is the scientific name of the american alligator?
Alligator mississippiensis — used in research and conservation listings for american alligators.
What do american alligators eat?
American Alligators are described as carnivores, with seasonal and regional variation in Freshwater swamps, rivers, and marshes.
Where do american alligators live?
They are associated with Freshwater swamps, rivers, and marshes. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of american alligators?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.