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For differences between alligators and crocodiles please see Crocodilia
For other uses, see Alligator (disambiguation).
Alligator
American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Crocodilia
Family: Alligatoridae
Genus: Alligator
Daudin, 1809
Species
.An Alligator is a crocodilian in the genus Alligator of the family Alligatoridae.^ ARTICLE from the Encyclopædia Britannica reptile (genus Alligator) either of two crocodilians related to the tropical American caimans (family Alligatoridae).
  • alligator (reptile) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.britannica.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Alligators and caimans are classified in the phylum Chordata , subphylum Vertebrata, class Reptilia, order Crocodilia, family Alligatoridae.
  • alligator Facts, information, pictures | Encyclopedia.com articles about alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.encyclopedia.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ The term is also used more loosely to include all members of the order Crocodylia: that is, the true crocodiles; the alligators and caymans (family Alligatoridae); and the Gharial (family Gavialidae).
  • Crocodile Movies 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC www.junglewalk.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .There are two extant alligator species: the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and the Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis).^ How many species of alligators are there?
  • alligator Facts, information, pictures | Encyclopedia.com articles about alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.encyclopedia.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ The American alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis ), the larger of the two species, is found in the southeastern United States .
  • alligator (reptile) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.britannica.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ There are two true species of alligators: American and Chinese.
  • ANIMAL BYTES - American Alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.seaworld.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
.The name alligator is an anglicized form of el lagarto the Spanish term for "lizard", the name by which early Spanish explorers and settlers in Florida called the alligator.^ The name “alligator” is widely believed to have come from the Spanish name “el lagarto”.
  • WEC203/UW230: Living with Alligators: A Florida Reality 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC edis.ifas.ufl.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Alligator (derived from the Spanish el lagarto - the lizard) mississippiensis (belonging to the Mississippi River) .
  • ANIMAL BYTES - American Alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.seaworld.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ The name alligator was derived from the Spanish words el lagarto , meaning "the lizard," which is what Spanish explorers called these creatures.
  • ANIMAL BYTES - American Alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.seaworld.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
.There are many adaptations for the American alligator.^ How many species of alligators are there?
  • alligator Facts, information, pictures | Encyclopedia.com articles about alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.encyclopedia.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ The American alligator has many predators in the wild.
  • Sierra Club Delta (Louisiana) Chapter Alligator Quiz page 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC louisiana.sierraclub.org [Source type: General]

 ^ American alligators have proven to be an important part of the environment, and therefor, are considered by many to be a "keystone" species.
  • ADW: Alligator mississippiensis: Information 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
  • BioKIDS - Kids' Inquiry of Diverse Species, Critter Catalog, Alligator mississippiensis, American alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.biokids.umich.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .Baby alligators have an egg tooth that helps them get out of their egg during hatching time.^ Baby Ali got out during cleaning tank help!
  • Alligator Lizards - Alligator Lizards 22 September 2009 11:011 UTC repticzone.com [Source type: General]

 ^ This helps to assure that all the eggs hatch at the same time.
  • WEC203/UW230: Living with Alligators: A Florida Reality 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC edis.ifas.ufl.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ As with most hole nesting species, C. acutus nests during the annual dry season with eggs hatching around the beginning of the annual rainy period.
  • Crocodiles in Costa Rica (FINAL PAPER) 12 September 2009 9:09 UTC jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .They also have a muscular flat tail that propels them forward while they swim.^ They swim rapidly, propelled by the powerful tail and by the mostly webbed limbs, or they submerge themselves, with only the tip of the nose and the eyes showing, or sometimes also the back.

 ^ They have fast reflexes and effective locomotor ability on land, where they walk on erect legs, and in the water, where they use the long, powerful tail to swim.
  • Crocodiles in Costa Rica (FINAL PAPER) 12 September 2009 9:09 UTC jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ They have chosen to take out the smallest possible flat-bottomed boat you can think of that isnt propelled by two pairs of foot peddles.
  • A Jabootu Readers' Forum -- Crocodile:  A Jabootu Nugget 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC www.jabootu.com [Source type: Original source]

Contents

Description

.The alligator is notorious for its bone crushing bites.^ Alligators have tremendously powerful jaws that can crush turtle shells and the bones of small mammals.
  • WEC203/UW230: Living with Alligators: A Florida Reality 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC edis.ifas.ufl.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 In addition, the alligator has been described as a "living fossil from the age of reptiles, having survived on earth for 200 million years."[1]
.An average adult American alligator's weight and length is 800 pounds (360 kg) and 13 feet (4.0 m) long[citation needed], but can grow to 14.5 feet (4.4 m) long and weigh 1,032 pounds (468 kg).^ Adult Alligators are about 13 to 14.5 feet long with half of that length being the tail.
  • Alligator Pie Unit Study 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.squidoo.com [Source type: General]

 ^ What is the average length of an adult crocodile?
  • crocodile Facts, information, pictures | Encyclopedia.com articles about crocodile 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC www.encyclopedia.com [Source type: Academic]

 ^ Boy, 5, Kills 800-Pound Alligator .
  • Boy, 5, Kills 800-Pound Alligator - ParentDish 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.parentdish.com [Source type: General]

 [2] .According to the Everglades National Park website, the largest alligator ever recorded in Florida was 17 feet 5 inches (5.31 m), although according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission web site the Florida state record for length is a 14 feet 5/8 inches (4.28 m) male from Lake Monroe in Seminole County.^ Before the attacks, only 17 deaths had been recorded in Florida since 1948, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

 ^ American alligator, Everglades National Park, Florida .
  • Alligator Stock Photos and Images. 1481 Alligator pictures and royalty free photography available to search from over 100 stock photo brands. 22 September 2009 11:011 UTC www.fotosearch.com [Source type: General]

 ^ In general, males over 5 m (17 feet) in length are extremely rare.
  • India4u - Travel - Wildlife - Crocodile 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC www.india4u.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 [3] .The largest specimen ever recorded was found in Louisiana and measured 19 feet 2 inches (5.84 m)[4].^ The largest recorded specimen is attributed to a Louisiana specimen measured at 576 cm (19 ft 2 in) - though some sources cite the measurement as 6 m (19.8 ft).
  • ANIMAL BYTES - American Alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.seaworld.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ England · Feb 15, 2007 @ 10:59am That can't be the largest crocodile because Steve Irwin found one measuring around 30ft so update your record book.
  • UnderwaterTimes | Guinness: India Park Home to World's Largest Crocodile; 23 Feet 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC www.underwatertimes.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Dr Kar said that the Dangmal Interpretation Centre located inside the Bhitarkanika Park has preserved the full skeleton of a 19 feet 8 inch long crocodile found dead last year.
  • UnderwaterTimes | Guinness: India Park Home to World's Largest Crocodile; 23 Feet 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC www.underwatertimes.com [Source type: General]

 .The Chinese alligator is smaller, rarely exceeding 7 feet (2.1 m) in length.^ Unprovoked attacks by alligators smaller than 5 feet (1.5 m) in length are rare.
  • Alligator Control: Trapping, Removal, and Prevention by United Wildlife Control 11 September 2009 22:022 UTC www.unitedwildlife.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ The Chinese alligator ( A. sinensis ) is a much smaller, little-known reptile found in the Yangtze River region of China.
  • alligator (reptile) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.britannica.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ When maintained on farms under ideal tempealligatorure and nutrition, alligators can reach a length of 6 feet (1.8 m) in 3 years.
  • Alligator Control: Trapping, Removal, and Prevention by United Wildlife Control 11 September 2009 22:022 UTC www.unitedwildlife.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 Alligators have an average of 75 teeth.[citation needed]
.The average lifespan for an alligator is 50 years.^ Lifespan The longest record in captivity of a known alligator to live is 73-100 years.
  • Alligator Control: Trapping, Removal, and Prevention by United Wildlife Control 11 September 2009 22:022 UTC www.unitedwildlife.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ The alligator is a relatively long-lived animal, which may reach the age of 50-60 years in the wild or up to about 80 years in captivity.
  • Living Among Alligators > About the American Alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.crocodopolis.net [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Alligator had grown from releasing one or two albums a year to an average of about ten a year, with a majority of the studio production responsibilities handled by Iglauer personally.
  • Alligator Records on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.myspace.com [Source type: General]
  • Alligator Records - ReverbNation 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.reverbnation.com [Source type: General]

 .A specimen named Muja has resided in the Belgrade Zoo in Serbia since 1937, making it at least 71 years old.^ The Britax Marathon fits children rear facing from five to 35 pounds and children forward facing from at least one year old and 20 pounds, up to 65 pounds.
  • Britax Marathon Convertible Car Seat - Crocodile - Britax - Babies "R" Us 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC www.toysrus.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Just don't show up already loaded, make sure you're at least 21 years old (along with ID to prove it) and bring enough money to tip the staff on your rounds.
  • MySpace - Crocodile Lounge - 99 - Female - NEW YORK, New York - myspace.com/crocodilenyc 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC www.myspace.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ The 500lb, 22-year-old male alligator, Bouya Blan, whose name means white fog, is kept at the Gatorland theme park in Florida.
  • Keyword: alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.freerepublic.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .Another specimen, Čabulītis, in Riga Zoo, Latvia died in 2007 being more than 75 years old.^ Epic, I've been waiting more than a year for this.
  • Walker Books - Crocodile Tears 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC www.walker.co.uk [Source type: General]

 ^ In evolutionary terms, this species has been highly successful, first appearing in the fossil record more than 54 million years ago.
  • Crocodile Alligator Facts Rainforest Adventures 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC rfadventures.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ I give the movie points for this, because (while a bit absurd) it is a more plausible explanation than "it swam across the ocean," which was put forth by another crocodile-in-a-lake movie.
  • A Jabootu Readers' Forum -- Crocodile:  A Jabootu Nugget 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC www.jabootu.com [Source type: Original source]

 [citation needed]

Habitat

Alligators of various ages in Everglades National Park.
.Alligators are only native to the United States and China.^ Today, the American alligator can be found throughout the southeastern United States from the Carolinas to Texas and north to Arkansas ( Figure 2 ).
  • WEC203/UW230: Living with Alligators: A Florida Reality 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC edis.ifas.ufl.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ There are two species—a large type found in the S United States and a small type found in E China.
  • alligator Facts, information, pictures | Encyclopedia.com articles about alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.encyclopedia.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ The American alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis ), the larger of the two species, is found in the southeastern United States .
  • alligator (reptile) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.britannica.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
.American alligators are found in the southeast United States: all of Florida and Louisiana, the southern parts of Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, coastal South and North Carolina, Eastern Texas, the southeast corner of Oklahoma and the southern tip of Arkansas.^ The American alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis ), the larger of the two species, is found in the southeastern United States .
  • alligator (reptile) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.britannica.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Incidentally, there is a species of crocodile in the United States - the American Crocodile , found in the southern tip of Florida, Central and South America.
  • Crocodilians: Natural History & Conservation: Crocodiles, Caimans, Alligators, Gharials 12 September 2009 9:09 UTC www.flmnh.ufl.edu [Source type: General]

 ^ Alligator attacks on humans in the United States.
  • Comprehensive Report Species - Alligator mississippiensis 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.natureserve.org [Source type: Academic]

 .According to the 2005 Scholastic Book of World Records, Louisiana is the state with the largest alligator population.^ The Barnett Reservoir's first weekend alligator season has ended with several big catches, including a state record.
  • Alligator News - Topix 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.topix.com [Source type: General]

 ^ There have been 10 confirmed alligator attacks in the past 25 years in South Carolina, according to state's Department of Natural Resources.
  • Golfer loses arm to alligator - News - NewsObserver.com 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.newsobserver.com [Source type: News]

 ^ The state of the wild alligator populations provides ample opportunity for such research to be undertaken.
  • Crocodilian Species - American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.flmnh.ufl.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 [5] .The majority of American alligators inhabit Florida and Louisiana, with over a million alligators in each state.^ American alligator, Everglades, Florida .
  • Alligator Stock Photos and Images. 1481 Alligator pictures and royalty free photography available to search from over 100 stock photo brands. 22 September 2009 11:011 UTC www.fotosearch.com [Source type: General]

 ^ E: Alligator, Gator, American alligator, Florida alligator, Mississippi alligator, Louisiana alligator.
  • The Reptile Database 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.jcvi.org [Source type: Academic]

 ^ Found within the southeastern United States; from Texas to Florida and north coastal plains of Georgia, North and South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Oklahoma .
  • ANIMAL BYTES - American Alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.seaworld.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
.American alligators live in freshwater environments, such as ponds, marshes, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and swamps, as well as brackish environments.^ Alligators are carnivorous and live along the edges of permanent bodies of water, such as lakes, swamps, and rivers.
  • alligator (reptile) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.britannica.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ They are also found in swamps, marshes, and lakes.
  • BioKIDS - Kids' Inquiry of Diverse Species, Critter Catalog, Alligator mississippiensis, American alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.biokids.umich.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Johnston’s crocodiles live in freshwater lakes, streams, and swamps.

 .October 2008" style="white-space:nowrap;">[citation needed] Southern Florida is the only place where both alligators and crocodiles live side by side.^ (Ross, 1989) These same crocodile barricades can be fatal to human beings, and human-crocodile interactions are generally unpleasant on both sides.
  • Crocodiles in Costa Rica (FINAL PAPER) 12 September 2009 9:09 UTC jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Incidentally, there is a species of crocodile in the United States - the American Crocodile , found in the southern tip of Florida, Central and South America.
  • Crocodilians: Natural History & Conservation: Crocodiles, Caimans, Alligators, Gharials 12 September 2009 9:09 UTC www.flmnh.ufl.edu [Source type: General]

 ^ American crocodiles are scarce and, in the United States, are only found in the warmer coastal waters of Florida, south of Tampa and Miami.
  • Alligator control and management 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.icwdm.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
  • Alligator Control: Trapping, Removal, and Prevention by United Wildlife Control 11 September 2009 22:022 UTC www.unitedwildlife.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
.The Chinese alligator currently is found only in the Yangtze River valley and is extremely endangered, with only a few dozen believed to be left in the wild.^ There are also fewer than 1,000 Chinese alligators left in China's lower Yangtze River Valley.
  • ANIMAL BYTES - American Alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.seaworld.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Today there are only two species of alligator in the world, the American alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis ) and the Chinese alligator ( Alligator sinensis ).
  • WEC203/UW230: Living with Alligators: A Florida Reality 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC edis.ifas.ufl.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ The Chinese alligator ( A. sinensis ) is a much smaller, little-known reptile found in the Yangtze River region of China.
  • alligator (reptile) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.britannica.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .Indeed, far more Chinese alligators live in zoos around the world than can be found in the wild.^ There are far more alligator attacks on dogs than on humans.
  • WEC203/UW230: Living with Alligators: A Florida Reality 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC edis.ifas.ufl.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Alligators are found throughout the Southeast in wetlands from the Carolinas to Texas and as far north as Arkansas.
  • The Endangered CROCODILES 12 September 2009 9:09 UTC www.geocities.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Today there are only two species of alligator in the world, the American alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis ) and the Chinese alligator ( Alligator sinensis ).
  • WEC203/UW230: Living with Alligators: A Florida Reality 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC edis.ifas.ufl.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge in southern Louisiana has several in captivity in an attempt to preserve the species.^ A telemetric study of nesting female alligators on Rockefeller Refuge, Louisiana.
  • Comprehensive Report Species - Alligator mississippiensis 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.natureserve.org [Source type: Academic]

 ^ A telemetric study of adult male alligators on Rockefeller Refuge, Louisiana.
  • Comprehensive Report Species - Alligator mississippiensis 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.natureserve.org [Source type: Academic]

 Miami MetroZoo in Florida also has a breeding pair of Chinese alligators. The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park has successfully reproduced Chinese Alligators and been fortunate enough to release some of their offspring back into the wild in China.

Behavior

.Large male alligators are solitary, territorial animals.^ Alligators are not monogamous, but rather, polygynous, which means one male may service up to ten or more females in his territory.

 ^ Male alligators are territorial animals during the breeding season, and will defend their area against other male intruders, often displaying acts of headramming and sparring with open jaws.

 ^ During breeding season males alligators are very territorial, and they will defend their area against other males by headramming or attacking one another with open jaws.
  • BioKIDS - Kids' Inquiry of Diverse Species, Critter Catalog, Alligator mississippiensis, American alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.biokids.umich.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .Smaller alligators can often be found in large numbers in close proximity to each other.^ Alligators, like other crocodilians that take large prey, prefer to seize an appendage and twist it off by spinning.
  • Alligator control and management 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.icwdm.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
  • Alligator Control: Trapping, Removal, and Prevention by United Wildlife Control 11 September 2009 22:022 UTC www.unitedwildlife.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ The crocodiles large size coupled with close proximity to human populations appears to have fueled suspicion on the largely uneducated populations of India.
  • Crocodile Alligator Facts Rainforest Adventures 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC rfadventures.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ AMERICAN ALLIGATOR The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a large crocodylian reptile found throughout the southeastern United States.
  • The Endangered CROCODILES 12 September 2009 9:09 UTC www.geocities.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .The largest of the species (both males and females), will defend prime territory; smaller alligators have a higher tolerance of other alligators within a similar size class.^ Size: 7-9 feet with females approximately 20% smaller than males .
  • Crocodile Alligator Facts Rainforest Adventures 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC rfadventures.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Smaller alligators can often be found in large numbers in close proximity to each other, because smaller alligators have a higher tolerance of other alligators within a similar size class.
  • American Alligator - Defenders of Wildlife 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.defenders.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ The largest males and females will defend prime territory.
  • American Alligator - Defenders of Wildlife 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.defenders.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .Although alligators have a heavy body and a slow metabolism, they are capable of short bursts of speed, especially in very short lunges.^ They can, however, lunge short distances very quickly.
  • Alligator Pie Unit Study 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.squidoo.com [Source type: General]

 ^ They have flattened bodies and tails, short legs, and powerful jaws.
  • crocodile Facts, information, pictures | Encyclopedia.com articles about crocodile 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC www.encyclopedia.com [Source type: Academic]

 ^ If the water they live in dries out, alligators will swim or walk to other bodies of water, sometimes even taking shelter in swimming pools.
  • BioKIDS - Kids' Inquiry of Diverse Species, Critter Catalog, Alligator mississippiensis, American alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.biokids.umich.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .Alligators' main prey is smaller animals that they can kill and eat with a single bite.^ Make a list of animals that alligators eat.
  • Alligator Pie Unit Study 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.squidoo.com [Source type: General]

 ^ The alligator must then wait until the prey animal's hide is rotted and soft enough for the alligator to tear off chunks.
  • WEC203/UW230: Living with Alligators: A Florida Reality 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC edis.ifas.ufl.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ When the young alligators reach four feet, they are safe from most predators, only falling prey to larger gators and humans.
  • Alligators - Plant Management in Florida Waters 11 September 2009 22:022 UTC aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .Alligators may kill larger prey by grabbing it and dragging it into the water to drown.^ Large prey are dragged under water, drowned and then devoured in pieces.
  • ADW: Alligator mississippiensis: Information 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
  • BioKIDS - Kids' Inquiry of Diverse Species, Critter Catalog, Alligator mississippiensis, American alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.biokids.umich.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ The adult alligator feeds mainly on fishes, small mammals, and birds but may sometimes take prey as large as deer or cattle.
  • alligator (reptile) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.britannica.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Alligators may occur anywhere there is water—lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, swamps, and even man-made canals.
  • WEC203/UW230: Living with Alligators: A Florida Reality 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC edis.ifas.ufl.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .Alligators consume food that could not be eaten in one bite by allowing it to rot or by biting and then spinning or convulsing wildly until bite-size chunks are torn off.^ The alligator must then wait until the prey animal's hide is rotted and soft enough for the alligator to tear off chunks.
  • WEC203/UW230: Living with Alligators: A Florida Reality 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC edis.ifas.ufl.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ When the animal is dead the crocodile will hold on to one body part and roll its body until the affected part is completely twisted off, thereby creating a bite-size chunk that is easily ingested.
  • American Crocodile 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC people.wcsu.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Alligator bites off arm of late-night swimmer in Okeechobee .
  • Keyword: alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.freerepublic.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 This is referred to as a "death roll." .A hard-wired response developed over millions of years of evolution, even juvenile alligators execute death rolls when presented with chunks of meat.^ "Live wire exuberance and hard-as-nails force," said Rolling Stone , "natural for partying, drinking and talking loud."
  • Alligator Records 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.alligator.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Hines said the alligator dragged the man into a nearby pond and went into a series of "death rolls," a technique the reptile uses to tear apart its food.
  • Golfer loses arm to alligator - News - NewsObserver.com 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.newsobserver.com [Source type: News]

 ^ Even now, after 30 years, Alligator Records is still fueled by the same principles that established the label in 1971.
  • Alligator Records on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.myspace.com [Source type: General]
  • Alligator Records - ReverbNation 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.reverbnation.com [Source type: General]

 .Critical to the alligator's ability to initiate a death roll, the tail must flex to a significant angle relative to its body.^ Hence, the alligator's resilience and ability to adapt (although limited) renders its comfort relative.
  • Living Among Alligators > About the American Alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.crocodopolis.net [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Hines said the alligator dragged the man into a nearby pond and went into a series of "death rolls," a technique the reptile uses to tear apart its food.
  • Golfer loses arm to alligator - News - NewsObserver.com 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.newsobserver.com [Source type: News]

 ^ Once the prey is bitten and held firmly, the alligator rolls its body over and over - the Death Spin/Roll.

 .An alligator with an immobilized tail cannot do a death roll.^ Hines said the alligator dragged the man into a nearby pond and went into a series of "death rolls," a technique the reptile uses to tear apart its food.
  • Golfer loses arm to alligator - News - NewsObserver.com 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.newsobserver.com [Source type: News]

 ^ Once the prey is bitten and held firmly, the alligator rolls its body over and over - the Death Spin/Roll.

 [6]
.Most of the muscle in an alligator's jaw is intended for biting and gripping prey.^ When the young alligators reach four feet, they are safe from most predators, only falling prey to larger gators and humans.
  • Alligators - Plant Management in Florida Waters 11 September 2009 22:022 UTC aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ It can swim, climb trees even while carrying it's prey, see in the dark and has the most powerful Jaw crushing power out of all the cats.
  • Jaguar Vs Crocodile. - Video 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC www.metacafe.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ JAWS. The alligator's jaws are known as the most powerful in all the animal kingdom.
  • Living Among Alligators > About the American Alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.crocodopolis.net [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .The muscles that close the jaws are exceptionally powerful, however the muscles for opening their jaws are relatively weak in comparison.^ However, the muscles for opening the jaw are relatively weak, which allows even a rubber band to keep the jaws of smaller crocodiles closed.
  • Crocodiles in Costa Rica (FINAL PAPER) 12 September 2009 9:09 UTC jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .As a result, an adult man can hold an alligator's jaws shut with his bare hands.^ Suddenly, SNAP, the alligator's jaws closed shut and a few minnows had disappeared.
  • Alligator Pie Unit Study 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.squidoo.com [Source type: General]

 ^ When the men found her in the water in the alligator's jaws, they gouged its eyes and pounded on its snout with their hands, said wildlife commission spokeswoman Kat Kelley.

 ^ Open your hand and the alligator opens his jaws wide--watch out for those pointy white teeth!
  • Alligator Pie Unit Study 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.squidoo.com [Source type: General]

 .In general, a strip of duct tape is enough to prevent an adult alligator from opening its jaws and is one of the most common methods used when alligators are to be captured and/or transported.^ Most children will use these alligators to make up stories.
  • Alligator Pie Unit Study 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.squidoo.com [Source type: General]

 ^ This method of movement is most useful when going down steep shorelines into the water.
  • ADW: Alligator mississippiensis: Information 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
  • BioKIDS - Kids' Inquiry of Diverse Species, Critter Catalog, Alligator mississippiensis, American alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.biokids.umich.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Humans represent the single most dangerous threat to both juvenile and adult alligators.
  • Alligators - Plant Management in Florida Waters 11 September 2009 22:022 UTC aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 [7] .Alligators are generally timid towards humans and tend to walk or swim away if one approaches.^ If the water they live in dries out, alligators will swim or walk to other bodies of water, sometimes even taking shelter in swimming pools.

 ^ Crocodiles are, as a general rule, more aggressive than alligators, and occasional human fatalities have been attributed to this species.
  • American Crocodile 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC people.wcsu.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Alligators near human habitation are often seen crossing roads, entering suburbs and finding shelter in swimming pools during the drier months.
  • Crocodilian Species - American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.flmnh.ufl.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
  • Crocodile Alligator Facts Rainforest Adventures 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC rfadventures.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .Unfortunately, this has led some people to the practice of approaching alligators and their nests in a way that may provoke the animals into attacking.^ A swimmer in Mississippi may have been attacked by an alligator.
  • Herper.com: Reptiles and Amphibians 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC www.herper.com [Source type: News]

 ^ Ways that people benefit from these animals: .
  • BioKIDS - Kids' Inquiry of Diverse Species, Critter Catalog, Alligator mississippiensis, American alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.biokids.umich.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Scientists may use studies to factor into their computations, such as nest counts or nighttime eye-shine counts (nighttime is when alligators are on the move, making them easier to count and approach in the dark).
  • Living Among Alligators > About the American Alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.crocodopolis.net [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .In the state of Florida, it is illegal to feed wild alligators at any time.^ The Spectacled Caiman is not as cold tolerant as the American Alligator and will most likely have a difficult time expanding it's introduced range in the United States based on temperature.
  • Crocodile Alligator Facts Rainforest Adventures 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC rfadventures.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Florida and other states in the alligator range have established "nuisance" alligator programs to better manage human-alligator conflict while maintaining protection of the species.
  • Living Among Alligators > About the American Alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.crocodopolis.net [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Alligators can be safely observed and admired at a variety of state parks, wildlife refuges, and attractions throughout Florida.
  • Alligators - Plant Management in Florida Waters 11 September 2009 22:022 UTC aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .If fed, the alligators will eventually lose their fear of humans and will learn to associate humans with food, thereby becoming a greater danger to people.^ Feeding-habituated alligators lose their fear of humans and can be dangerous to unsuspecting humans, especially children.
  • Alligator control and management 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.icwdm.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Alligators generally lose their natural fear of people when they associate food with people.

 ^ Alligators quickly become conditioned to humans, especially when food is involved.
  • Alligator control and management 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.icwdm.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 [8]

Diet

.When young, they eat fish, insects, snails, crustaceans, and worms.^ Young alligators feed primarily on insects, crustaceans, snails, and fish.
  • The Endangered CROCODILES 12 September 2009 9:09 UTC www.geocities.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Diet They eat mostly fish, but they also eat small mammals and birds, and their young eat insects, worms, and small fish.
  • Alligator Control: Trapping, Removal, and Prevention by United Wildlife Control 11 September 2009 22:022 UTC www.unitedwildlife.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ They eat minnows crayfish, snails, insects and tadpoles.
  • Alligator Pie Unit Study 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.squidoo.com [Source type: General]

 .As they grow, they take progressively larger prey items, including larger fish such as gar, turtles, various mammals, birds, antelope and other reptiles.^ Most of them, of course, will not survive, being preyed upon by various birds and larger fishes.
  • American Crocodile 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC people.wcsu.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ The larger the animal becomes, the larger its prey items are.
  • Australia Zoo - Our Animals - Reptiles - Crocodilians - Saltwater Crocodile 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC www.australiazoo.com.au [Source type: General]

 ^ Mostly, they consume fish, turtles, snakes, and small mammals.

 Their stomachs also often contain gastroliths. .They will even consume carrion if they are sufficiently hungry.^ It is not uncommon to hear reports of turtles and even fish nibbling away at a caiman's tail or toes, especially when they don't have sufficient food themselves.
  • Crocodilian Captive Care FAQ (Caiman, Alligator, Crocodile) 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC crocodilian.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Alligators are, like all crocodilians, opportunistic feeders and will take carrion if it becomes available and they are sufficiently hungry.
  • Crocodilian Species - American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.flmnh.ufl.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .Adult alligators can take razorbacks and deer and are well known to kill and eat smaller alligators.^ The well known poem with alligators instead of raindeer.
  • Alligator Pie Unit Study 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.squidoo.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Crossbows with lines attached to barbed bolts work fairly well at short distances but should only be used to kill alligators.
  • Alligator control and management 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.icwdm.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ If you are living or vacationing in an area where alligators are known to be found, it is important to take certain precautions in order to avoid a tragic encounter.

 .In some cases, larger alligators are known to ambush dogs, the Florida panther and black bears, making it the apex predator throughout its distribution.^ In Georgia, nests incurred a high rate of predation by black bears (Hunt and Ogden 1991).
  • Comprehensive Report Species - Alligator mississippiensis 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.natureserve.org [Source type: Academic]

 ^ Once it reaches about three feet in length, its only major predators are larger or stronger alligators--and humans.
  • Living Among Alligators > About the American Alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.crocodopolis.net [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Some female alligators have been known to allow juveniles to remain near her for protection for periods up to 3 years.
  • Crocodile Alligator Facts Rainforest Adventures 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC rfadventures.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .As humans encroach onto their habitat, attacks on humans are few but not unknown.^ They eat virtually anything they can swallow, but are not generally considered dangerous to humans, as very few attacks have been reported.
  • The Endangered CROCODILES 12 September 2009 9:09 UTC www.geocities.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .Alligators, unlike the large crocodiles, do not immediately regard a human upon encounter as prey, but may still attack in self-defense if provoked.^ It is unlikely that alligator attacks are related to territorial defense.
  • Alligator control and management 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.icwdm.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
  • Alligator Control: Trapping, Removal, and Prevention by United Wildlife Control 11 September 2009 22:022 UTC www.unitedwildlife.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Alligators, like other crocodilians that take large prey, prefer to seize an appendage and twist it off by spinning.
  • Alligator control and management 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.icwdm.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
  • Alligator Control: Trapping, Removal, and Prevention by United Wildlife Control 11 September 2009 22:022 UTC www.unitedwildlife.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ The crocodiles large size coupled with close proximity to human populations appears to have fueled suspicion on the largely uneducated populations of India.
  • Crocodile Alligator Facts Rainforest Adventures 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC rfadventures.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

Reproduction

Alligator eggs and young.
Baby alligators
A rare albino American alligator
.Alligators generally mature at a length of 6 feet (1.8 m).^ When maintained on farms under ideal tempealligatorure and nutrition, alligators can reach a length of 6 feet (1.8 m) in 3 years.
  • Alligator Control: Trapping, Removal, and Prevention by United Wildlife Control 11 September 2009 22:022 UTC www.unitedwildlife.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Adult Alligators are about 13 to 14.5 feet long with half of that length being the tail.
  • Alligator Pie Unit Study 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.squidoo.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Once it reaches about three feet in length, its only major predators are larger or stronger alligators--and humans.
  • Living Among Alligators > About the American Alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.crocodopolis.net [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 The mating season is in early spring. .The female builds a nest of vegetation where the decomposition of the vegetation provides the heat needed to incubate the eggs.^ Female Caiman build nests of vegetation during the rainy season.
  • Crocodile Alligator Facts Rainforest Adventures 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC rfadventures.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ After mating has taken place, the female builds a nest of vegetation.

 ^ The female builds a nest of vegetation, or excavates a sand nest, depending on location.
  • Crocodile Alligator Facts Rainforest Adventures 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC rfadventures.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .The sex of the offspring is determined by the temperature in the nest and is fixed within 7 to 21 days of the start of incubation.^ Nest temperature has an impact on the sex determination of the babies.
  • Crocodile Alligator Facts Rainforest Adventures 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC rfadventures.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ I will start it within the next few days.
  • alligator - WetCanvas 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.wetcanvas.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Sex is fully determined at the time of hatching and irreversible thereafter, and depends on the temperature of egg incubation, temperatures of 86°F producing females, of 93°F yielding only males .
  • American Alligator - Defenders of Wildlife 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.defenders.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .Incubation temperatures of 86 °F (30 °C) or lower produce a clutch of females; those of 93 °F (34 °C) or higher produce entirely males.^ Females remain near the nest, in nearby water or other shelter, throughout the incubation period which averages 65 days (depending on temperature).
  • Crocodilian Species - American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.flmnh.ufl.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Those eggs which are hatched in temperatures ranging from 90 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit turn out to be male, while those in temperatures from 82 to 86 degrees Fehrenheit end up being female.
  • ADW: Alligator mississippiensis: Information 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
  • BioKIDS - Kids' Inquiry of Diverse Species, Critter Catalog, Alligator mississippiensis, American alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.biokids.umich.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Despite being a small female she sure knows how to keep Monty in line and every year this pair produces a clutch of fertile eggs.
  • Australia Zoo - Our Animals - Reptiles - Crocodilians - Saltwater Crocodile 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC www.australiazoo.com.au [Source type: General]

 .Nests constructed on leaves are hotter than those constructed on wet marsh and, thus, the former tend to produce males and the latter, females.^ Size: 8-12 Feet on average (19' 2" Record) Males substantially larger than females.
  • Crocodile Alligator Facts Rainforest Adventures 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC rfadventures.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ They are highly territorial, especially males at certain times of the year and females with nests and young.

 ^ Males are often up to 30 percent larger than the females.
  • The Nile Crocodile 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC www.touregypt.net [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .The natural sex ratio at hatching is five females to one male.^ Alligators are not monogamous, but rather, polygynous, which means one male may service up to ten or more females in his territory.

 ^ Both males and females have been reported to assist hatching by gently cracking open eggs between their tongue and upper palate.
  • The Nile Crocodile 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC www.touregypt.net [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Both sexes reach sexual maturity at around 6 feet in length, however, this occurs earlier in males because they reach this length sooner than females.

 .Females hatched from eggs incubated at 86 °F (30 °C) weigh significantly more than males hatched from eggs incubated at 93 °F (34 °C)[9].^ Weighing more than 2-3 tons and and longer than 30 feet.
  • UnderwaterTimes | Guinness: India Park Home to World's Largest Crocodile; 23 Feet 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC www.underwatertimes.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Older males may live 30 years or more and reach lengths of 14 feet, and weights of 1,000 pounds.
  • The Endangered CROCODILES 12 September 2009 9:09 UTC www.geocities.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ The removal of such predators may be allowing more of the eggs and hatchlings to reach adulthood than in historical times.
  • Crocodile Alligator Facts Rainforest Adventures 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC rfadventures.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .The mother will defend the nest from predators and will assist the hatchlings to water.^ Birds will nest in trees and brush over the water's edge to secure a distance from would-be predators seeking to eat their eggs or young.
  • Living Among Alligators > About the American Alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.crocodopolis.net [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ As in some other crocodile species, females have been observed opening the nest and carrying hatchlings to the water.
  • Crocodile Alligator Facts Rainforest Adventures 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC rfadventures.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Once the eggs are ready to hatch, calls from the hatchlings stimulate the mother to open the nest using her front legs and jaws to break away the vegetation.
  • Crocodilian Species - American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.flmnh.ufl.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .She will provide protection to the young for about a year if they remain in the area.^ The young grow rapidly and mature in about five years, half the time required for larger crocodilian species.
  • Crocodile Alligator Facts Rainforest Adventures 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC rfadventures.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Some female alligators have been known to allow juveniles to remain near her for protection for periods up to 3 years.
  • Crocodile Alligator Facts Rainforest Adventures 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC rfadventures.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ They guard their nests and, when the young alligators hatch, they protect the hatchlings.
  • The Endangered CROCODILES 12 September 2009 9:09 UTC www.geocities.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .The largest threat to the young are adult alligators.^ The greatest threat to adult crocodiles, besides human influence (the subject of another paragraph or probably another paper of its own) is other crocodiles, particularly for young males by larger males.
  • Crocodiles in Costa Rica (FINAL PAPER) 12 September 2009 9:09 UTC jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .Predation by adults on young can account for a mortality rate of up to fifty percent in the first year.^ In the wild its average growth rate is about one foot per year for the first five years or so.
  • Living Among Alligators > About the American Alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.crocodopolis.net [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ The diet of the young Black Caiman is similar to all crocodilians, small vertebrate and insects make up much of the diet for the first year or so of life.
  • Crocodile Alligator Facts Rainforest Adventures 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC rfadventures.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Like many fish species the young actually spend the first few years of life in and around fresh water.
  • Crocodile Alligator Facts Rainforest Adventures 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC rfadventures.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .In the past, immediately following the outlawing of alligator hunting, populations rebounded quickly due to the suppressed number of adults preying upon the new recruits, increasing survival among the young alligators.^ Adult alligators can survive freezing conditions if they are in water.
  • Crocodilian Species - American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.flmnh.ufl.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Snakes, wading birds, osprey, raccoons, otters, large bass, garfish, even larger alligators will feed upon young alligators.
  • BioKIDS - Kids' Inquiry of Diverse Species, Critter Catalog, Alligator mississippiensis, American alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.biokids.umich.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Alligators are exclusively carnivorous and prey upon whatever creatures are most available.
  • Alligator control and management 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.icwdm.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
.Some alligators are missing inhibited gene for melanin, which makes them albino.^ "Typically, white alligators - albinos, when they hatch, don't make it to adulthood,” said Bradley Lawrence, Dallas Zoo Reptile Supervisor.
  • Keyword: alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.freerepublic.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .These alligators are extremely rare and practically impossible to find in the wild.^ The number of alligators in the wild is impossible to know.
  • Living Among Alligators > About the American Alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.crocodopolis.net [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Once these dry out, however, the alligator crosses land in order to find another body of water.
  • Crocodilian Species - American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.flmnh.ufl.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
  • Crocodile Alligator Facts Rainforest Adventures 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC rfadventures.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Given the high degree of human-alligator contact, some attacks have been reported, but these are very rarely serious.
  • Crocodilian Species - American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.flmnh.ufl.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 They could survive only in captivity. .As with all albino animals, they are very vulnerable to the sun and predators.^ When we first arrived in the after-five department, they glanced my way, determined I was not worth waiting on, and fell all over Ariana, which was very perceptive on their part.

 ^ They have few natural predators, especially if they can avoid being caught on land, although occasionally subadult animals can be killed by snakes or large predators such as leopards.
  • Crocodiles in Costa Rica (FINAL PAPER) 12 September 2009 9:09 UTC jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Alligators are also the top predator throughout much of their range.  They fill an important role in keeping the populations of other wetland animals from growing out of control.
  • Digimorph - Alligator mississippiensis (American alligator) 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC digimorph.org [Source type: Academic]

 [10]
Problems listening to these files? See media help.

Anatomy

.Alligators are the only non-avian species known to have one-way breathing.^ It's only U.S. relatives are the American alligator, which exists in abundance from Texas to N. Carolina, and the Spectacled caiman, which is an introduced species with an extremely limited range in S. Florida.
  • American Crocodile 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC people.wcsu.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Wilson, a self-professed die-hard duck hunter won the alligator-hunting lottery this fall in more ways than one.
  • Keyword: alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.freerepublic.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Weighing over 500 pounds, 22 year old male Bouya Blan is one of only 12 white alligators in the world.
  • Keyword: alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.freerepublic.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .All other non-avian amnionts have dead-end breathing.^ Photo by Frank Lane Picture Agency @ Corbis.com Crocodilians are more closely related to dinosaurs than any other non-avian animals .
  • American Crocodile 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC people.wcsu.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 In dead-end breathing the air flows into the lungs through branching bronchi which terminate in small dead-end chambers called aveoli. The air moves in both directions through the bronchi. .In alligators the air makes a circuit through the lungs moving in only one direction through the bronchi.^ Contact with one or the other of the end crocodiles would establish the direction, and automatically operate a reversing switch on the locomotive so warning would be given in the proper direction only.
  • Le Crocodile 10 February 2010 13:51 UTC mysite.du.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Vote Up Vote Down Alligators move lungs to dive, roll in water - Yahoo!
  • Alligator Pie Unit Study 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.squidoo.com [Source type: General]

 ^ It is still in operation today as an accredited zoological park-- the only one in the world that features all 22 of the alligator's close relatives.
  • Living Among Alligators > About the American Alligator 10 February 2010 11:011 UTC www.crocodopolis.net [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 The air first enters the outer branch moves through the lungs in small tubes called parabronchi and exits the lung through the inner branch. The parabronchi are where the oxygen exchange takes place.[11]

Human uses

Main article: Alligator farm
.Alligators are raised commercially for their meat and skin, which is used for bags and shoes.^ Alligators are valuable for their skin and meat.
  • Alligator Control: Trapping, Removal, and Prevention by United Wildlife Control 11 September 2009 22:022 UTC www.unitedwildlife.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Nuisance alligator control programs in several states use the sale of alligator skins to offset costs of removal and administalligatorion.
  • Alligator Control: Trapping, Removal, and Prevention by United Wildlife Control 11 September 2009 22:022 UTC www.unitedwildlife.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Crocodilians of all sorts have been widely hunted for hides, made into leather shoes and handbags, and have also been used for meat and traditional remedies and folk medicine.
  • Crocodiles in Costa Rica (FINAL PAPER) 12 September 2009 9:09 UTC jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

See also

References

  1. ^ "American alligator, Wildlife Species Information: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service". Ecos.fws.gov. http://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/SpeciesReport.do?spcode=C000. Retrieved 2008-12-11. 
  2. ^ "American Alligator and our National Parks". Eparks.org. http://www.eparks.org/marine_and_coastal/marine_wildlife/alligator.asp. Retrieved 2008-10-14. 
  3. ^ "Largest alligators". http://www.floridaconservation.org/gators/facts/largest.htm. Retrieved 2009-01-29. 
  4. ^ "Louisiana Alligator Advisory Council". http://alligatorfur.com/alligator/alligator.htm. Retrieved 2010-03-07. 
  5. ^ 2005 Scholastic Book of World Records
  6. ^ Fish, Frank E.; Bostic, Sandra A.; Nicastro, Anthony J.; Beneski, John T. (2007-08-09). "Death roll of the alligator: mechanics of twist feeding in water". The Journal of Experimental Biology (The Company of Biologists) 210: 2811–2818. doi:10.1242/jeb.004267. PMID 17690228. http://jeb.biologists.org/cgi/content/abstract/210/16/2811. Retrieved 2008-09-27. 
  7. ^ Crocodilian Captive Care FAQ: How to properly handle/transport crocodilians etc.
  8. ^ Living with Alligators
  9. ^ "Temperature of egg incubation determines sex in Alligator mississippiensis". Nature.com. http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v296/n5860/abs/296850a0.html. Retrieved 2008-12-11. 
  10. ^ "White albino alligators". .softpedia.com. http://news.softpedia.com/news/White-albino-alligators-54575.shtml. Retrieved 2008-10-27. 
  11. ^ Science News; February 13, 2010; Page 11

External links

Alligators in the News

Related articles on alligators, caimans, crocodiles and gharials
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interaction

1911 encyclopedia

Up to date as of January 14, 2010
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From LoveToKnow 1911

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Wiktionary

Up to date as of January 14, 2010

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

See also alligator

Contents

Translingual

Noun

Alligator
  1. (zoology) The genus of alligators.

Derived terms

  • Alligator mississipiensis
  • Alligator sinensis

German

Noun

Alligator m. (genitive Alligators, plural Alligatoren)
  1. alligator (animal)

Wikispecies

Up to date as of January 23, 2010

From Wikispecies

Alligator mississippiensis

Taxonavigation

Main Page
Cladus: Eukaryota
Supergroup: Unikonta
Cladus: Opisthokonta
Regnum: Animalia
Subregnum: Eumetazoa
Cladus: Bilateria
Cladus: Nephrozoa
Cladus: Deuterostomia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Infraphylum: Gnathostomata
Superclassis: Tetrapoda
Classis: Reptilia
Subclassis: Diapsida
Infraclassis: Archosauromorpha
Divisio: Archosauria
Subdivisio: Crurotarsi
Superordo: Crocodylomorpha
Ordo: Crocodilia
Subordo: Eusuchia
Familia: Alligatoridae
Subfamilia: Alligatorinae
Genus: Alligator
Species: A. mississippiensis - A. sinensis - †A. luicus

Name

Alligator Cuvier, 1807

Vernacular names

Deutsch: Echte Alligatoren
English: Alligators
Hrvatski: Pravi aligatori
日本語: アリゲーター属
Suomi: Alligaattorit
Svenska: Alligatorer

Simple English

Alligators
File:American
An American Alligator in captivity at the Columbus Zoo
Scientific classification
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Sauropsida
Order: Crocodilia
Family: Alligatoridae
Genus: Alligator
Daudin, 1809
Species

Alligator mississippiensis
Alligator sinensis

An Alligator is a group of animals in the order Crocodilia. The genus Alligator has two living species, the American Alligator and the Chinese Alligator.

Together with the caimans, the Gharials and the Crocodiles they make up the order Crocodilia, the crocodile-like. The difference between an alligator and a crocodile is, that you can not see the fourth tooth in the lower jaw of an alligator when the alligator's mouth is closed. You can see the fourth tooth in the lower jaw of a crocodile when its mouth is closed. Sometimes it is said, that alligators have as wide a snout as crocodiles have a narrow snout, but there are also some crocodiles with wide snouts. It can reach 19 feet ( 6 meters) and weigh 1,200 pounds.

Alligator

An American alligator

Look up Alligator in Wikispecies, a directory of species
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Retrieved from "http://yak.rapint.com/wiki/Alligator"

Citable sentences

Up to date as of December 22, 2010

Here are sentences from other pages on Alligator, which are similar to those in the above article.








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