All About Alligators: Interesting Facts

Alligators are a far cry from the cute creatures that we often coo over. They are fierce creatures that we don't want to tangle with. Many of us have never encountered an alligator and probably don't want to. But how much do you really know about these interesting creatures? Do you know how to tell an alligator from a crocodile? If not, read this informative article to learn some interesting facts about alligators.

The average size of a male alligator is 12 feet. Although the average weight may be around 400 to 500 pounds some male alligators may weigh as much as 1,000 pounds. Females are a little smaller and grow to an average of 8 to 9 feet in length.

Alligators have 5 toes on the front legs and 4 toes on the back.

Alligators have a wider snout than crocodiles. With the jaws closed only the top teeth can be seen in alligators whereas a crocodiles top and bottom teeth can be seen. Crocodiles can live in both fresh and salt water whereas alligators live in fresh water. They can tolerate salt water but only for brief periods of time.

The nostrils of an alligator face upward so they can breathe while the rest of their body is underwater.

The average lifespan of an alligator is approximately 50 years.

An alligator's teeth are replaced as they wear down. An alligator may go through 2,000 to 3,000 teeth during a lifetime.

Alligators are solitary reptiles and very territorial.

Alligators are only found in the countries of the United States and China.

The Chinese alligator is endangered and lives only in the Yangtze River valley.

Alligators regular their temperature by moving from sun to shade. They rest with their mouths open to release stored heat.

Alligators can move at short bursts of speed exceeding thirty miles per hour.

Alligators are carnivorous reptiles. Their diet consists of birds, frogs, snakes, turtles, fish as well as mammals. Their strong jaws can crack a turtle shell and alligators can devour small prey whole.

Female alligators lay an average of 50 eggs although some have been known to lay more. The eggs hatch after a 65 day incubation period. An interesting fact is that the sex of the offspring is determined by the temperature of the nest. If the temperature is above 93 degrees farenheit the offspring will be male; if it is below 86 degrees the offspring will be female and if the temperature is in between both male and female offspring will result.

The alligator became the official state reptile of Florida in 1987.

Sources:

www.gatorpark.com

www.thejunglestore.com

www.nationalzoo.si.edu