Curious about Alligators? Here are the facts!

 

The American Alligator

• The alligator is one out of two crocodilians that are native to Florida.

• Unlike crocodiles, alligators are not able to withstand saltwater. They will hunt near saltwater but, they don't have the same glands as crocs to excrete the salt from their bodies!

Here is a photo I took at the Everglades National Park of a very large alligator. It was hiding in the shade most likely trying to stay cool.

• Their gender is not determined by DNA but rather by temperature. If it is warm when the mother lays her eggs they will be male. If she lays her eggs when it's cool, they will be female. 

• They are sprinters. They can run up to 35 mph but they get tired very quickly. So be careful getting close to them!

Check out this link for more info on the Everglades National Park! 

While we were at the Everglades National Park, we saw another alligator that was a bit smaller. My guess would be around 6 feet. He was hiding in very shallow water. 

• They can go through 3,000 teeth in their lifetime! They can have up to 75 teeth in their mouth at a time but lose many over the course of their life.
• They can bite with almost 3,000 pounds of force.
• They are the LOUDEST animals in the world. They emit loud roars while mating that can reach up to 90 decibels. That is similar to a loud lawn mower. For comparison, humans can reach up to 70 decibels. 

I hope you enjoyed these interesting facts about the American Alligator! I thought they were very beautiful to see up close and in person. 

#alligator #florida #gators