American Alligator

Description:

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). Wild alligators range from long and slender to short and robust, possibly due to variations in factors like growth rate, diet and climate. Alligators have broad snouts, especially in captive individuals. When the jaws are closed, the edge of the upper jaws covers the lower teeth which fit into the jaws' depressions.

Habitat:

While they prefer freshwater, alligators sometimes enter more brackish water. American alligators are only found in the Southeastern United States, from Great Dismal Swamp in North Carolina, south to Everglades National Park in Florida and west to the southern tip of Texas. This one was photographed at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park near Augusta, GA.

Notes:

The American alligator is considered the apex predator throughout its range. They are opportunists and their diet is determined largely by both the size and age of the predating alligator and the size and availability of prey. Most alligators will eat a wide variety of animals, including invertebrates, fish, birds, turtles, snakes, amphibians and mammals, in their life cycle.