American Alligator

Description:

A large crocodilian reptile endemic to the Southeastern United States. In adult male American alligators, length averages 3.4 m (11 ft) while in smaller females, it averages 2.6 m (8.5 ft). Occasionally, a large, old male may measure in excess of 4 m (13 ft). Adult males may weigh around 227 kg (500 lb) while females weigh around 91 kg (200 lb). Dorsally, adult alligators may be olive, brown, gray or black in color while their undersides are cream colored. When the jaws are closed, the edge of the upper jaws covers the lower teeth which fit into the jaws' depressions.

Habitat:

Alligators inhabit swamps, streams, rivers, ponds and lakes. Females and juveniles are also found in Carolina Bays and other seasonal wetlands. While they prefer freshwater, alligators sometimes enter more brackish water. This one was photographed at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge near Hardeeville, SC.

Notes:

Alligators modify some wetland habitat, in flat areas such as the Everglades, by constructing small ponds known as "alligator holes". These create wetter or drier habitats for other organisms, such as plants, fish, invertabrates, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.