The American alligator is a rare success story of an endangered animal not only saved from extinction but now thriving. State and federal protections, habitat preservation efforts, and reduced demand for alligator products have improved the species' wild population to more than one million and growing today.
American alligators are found in the southeast United States. They live in freshwater environments, such as ponds, marshes, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and swamps.
Adult alligators are apex predators. Apex predators are predators that have virtually no predators of their own, and therefore they are residing at the top of their food chain. They feed mainly on fish, turtles, snakes, and small mammals.
One question we always get at the Zoo is “What is the difference between crocodiles and alligators?” Here are some fun facts to help differentiate the two:
1. Shape of snout: Alligators have a wider snout, rounder and more “U” shaped. Crocodile’s snouts are more slender like a “V.”
2. Jaw/teeth alignment: Alligators have a wider upper jaw that overlaps the lower jaw. Crocodile jaws are about the same width so their teeth lock together on the outside of their jaws.
3. Different scientific families: Alligatoridae are alligators and caimans, while Crocodylidae are crocodiles.
Check out National Geographic for more information about these amazing animals.
Below are some pictures of our President, Bob Chastain, Animal Manager, Jason Bredahl, keepers and staff from the Colorado Gator Reptile Park unloading the gators into their new summer home.
Come visit them soon! Located across from the elephants and just before you enter the “Australia” exhibit.
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