All About Alligators (Guest Blog)
The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a legendary icon of the American South. They are unique among North American animals due to the fact they are the continent’s only large predator that resides in its full range after the arrival of Europeans. Some examples of less fortunate carnivores include the Gray Wolf, Red Wolf, Mountain Lion, American Black Bear, and Grizzly Bear. The alligator almost ended up in the same way after being overhunted, mainly for hide, their population dropped substantially and was faced with the threat of extinction. After being protected in the 1960’s with strict management their population has rebounded and they have since re-occupied all of their former range. This extends north to North Carolina, South to Florida, and west to Texas.
Alligators are in a group of reptiles called the crocodilians. This is made up of 24 species world-wide consisting of alligators, caiman, crocodiles, and the gharial. More specifically, alligators are in the family of the strange name Alligatoridae. This includes both species of alligator, along with the six species of caiman. Caiman are native to Central and South America and can be identified by a bony ridge above their eye. The other species of alligator is the Chinese Alligator which, unfortunately, is critically endangered and only found along the lower Yangtze River. All of the following information refers to the American Alligator.
Alligators are found in a variety of freshwater habitats including marshes, wetlands, lakes, ponds, rivers, and even man-made canals. They are limited to freshwater due to the incapability of secreting salt, a trait that many crocodile species possess.
Alligators are opportunistic predators and the variety of prey taken increases as they mature and get larger. This may be surprising, but alligators prefer small prey around the size of their head. They are not like the Nile Crocodiles of Africa you see grabbing Wildebeest and Zebras in slow motion on documentaries. Alligators also rarely do the “death roll” which is commonly done with large species of crocodiles, like Niles, that have a big prey item and need to tear off small pieces that can be swallowed easily. Alligators, on the other hand, with smaller fare usually only have to thrash the prey around in their mouth to break it up. Large males, however, are capable of taking large prey like deer and hogs.
Alligators are widely feared, but like other potentially dangerous animals it’s important to understand their behavior. Alligators are actually the puppy dogs of the crocodilians; it’s easy to see this in real life. If you walk up to one it’s likely going to just sit there or make its way to the water. Compare this with the Saltwater Crocodile. You can look up videos of these guys in captivity and watch them lunge out at their keepers and even grab lawnmowers! Of course, though alligators are pretty docile you still shouldn’t walk up to them and pet them or swim around in murky water all willy-nilly. The majority of alligator attacks are a case of mistaken identity. If a child is swimming in murky water or at night an alligator may confuse him/her with a distressed animal aka easy prey. After coming over and taking a bite, the alligator will often realize it has made a mistake and let the person go. Unfortunately, the damage has already been done. Feeding alligators also can lead to attacks, since they lose their natural fear of humans and aren’t likely to retreat if they feel threatened.
Alligators are amazing creatures and it’s important to respect and know their behavior so we can live with and enjoy them. Admire them from a safe distance!
