American alligator

Description:

Alligators are native only to the United States and China. The two living species are the American alligator (A. mississippiensis) and the Chinese alligator (A. sinensis). American alligators are found in the southeast United States and also a part of Texas. Southern Florida is the only place where both alligators and crocodiles live side by side. An agile swimmer, the American alligator often floats or swims with only its eyes and nostrils exposed. Alligators are carnivorous, and will eat anything they can catch, including fish, turtles, lizards, snakes, small mammals, water birds, crustaceans and other alligators. They can be very vocal; the young typically make a bark and adults will bellow, grunt, or hiss, depending on the circumstances.

Habitat:

Alligators are found in or near water. They are common in swamps, rivers, bayous, and marshes. While typically found in fresh-water, they can tolerate brackish water as well. Was very surprised to see this alligator in the clear spring waters at Magnolia Springs State Park in Millen, Georgia. There are also some turtles on the post where the alligator is resting.