American Alligator
Alligators in the Florida Everglades: The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is an iconic species and the largest reptile in North America. Found throughout the wetlands of The Florida Everglades, the Alligator has existed for millions of years—making it one of the closest living relatives of ancient dinosaurs.
This powerful reptile is known for its dark, nearly black coloration, broad rounded snout, and thick, armored body covered with bony plates called osteoderms or scutes. An Alligator’s tail makes up about half of its body length and provides incredible strength for swimming and defense.
Male Alligators typically grow between 11 and 14 feet long and can weigh from 500 to 800 pounds, though some reach 1,000 pounds. Females are smaller, rarely exceeding 10 feet and weighing about half as much as the males.
As cold-blooded animals, Alligators rely on the sun to regulate their body temperature. It’s common to see them basking along the muddy banks of the River of Grass or lying with their mouths open to cool off.
While the Alligator may appear dangerous, it is truly an extraordinary creature—one that plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of the Everglades ecosystem.
Food & Eating Habits
The American Alligator is a true carnivore with an appetite for almost anything that crosses its path. As opportunistic predators, Alligators hunt a variety of prey, including fish, frogs, birds, and mammals of nearly any size. Their powerful jaws are strong enough to crush turtle shells and bones with ease.
Equipped with 80 razor-sharp teeth, the Alligator uses its bite to grab and hold prey before swallowing it whole. Smaller animals go down in one gulp, while larger prey gets shaken apart into more manageable pieces.
While an Alligator’s diet can appear fearsome, humans are not part of its regular menu. However, Alligators are highly territorial and protective, especially around their nests—so it’s best to keep a safe distance and admire these incredible reptiles from afar.
Native Habitat
The American alligator’s native habitat spans the southeastern United States, from North Carolina and Texas, but most densely found in the state of Florida. Alligators are commonly found in lakes, ponds, canals, slow-moving rivers, and swamps throughout this region.
More than 1.5 million alligators live in Florida, with nearly 200,000 residing in the Florida Everglades alone. The Everglades is the only ecosystem in the world where American alligators and American crocodiles live side by side, making it a truly unique destination for wildlife viewing and Alligator sightings with tour companies like The River of Grass Adventures.
How long do alligators live – Lifespan
American alligators live about 50 years in the wild, but a healthy alligators can live well beyond. There are reports of an alligator living 100 years in captivity. Life in the wild can be tough, about 1/3 of alligator nest are destroyed by predators or flooding. The average clutch size of an alligator nest is 38, of which only about 24 hatchlings will emerge. Only about 10 of these hatchling will make it to 1 year old. It is common for momma alligators to stay with their young for the first year. A mother alligator can be very protective while watching over her nest and young hatchlings. If an alligator makes it to 5 years old, chances are good they will survive to be a 6 foot plus gator some day.
FUN ALLIGATOR FACTS
- Alligators have 74 to 80 teeth. They can have up to 3,000 teeth in a lifetime. When lost, worn down or broken they are replaced! If only humans were so lucky….
- The sex of the alligator is determined by the temperature of the eggs. Temperatures of 31 C (87.8 F) or below produce females, 32 C (89.6 F) produces 75 percent males and 32.5 C (90.5 F) and above are mostly females.
- The alligator became the official state reptile of Florida in 1987
- Alligator farms are a multi-million dollar industry. Raising alligators for their meat and skin. (We like our alligators best in their natural habitat)
- The Alligator has 2 sets of eyelids. An outer eyelid that is made of thick skin and an inner eyelid that is clear. The inner eyelids protect the alligator’s eyes and provide clearer vision in the underwater environment
Alligator sightseeing Airboat Tours with Everglades The River Of Grass Adventures
Ready to explore the Everglades?
Airboat tours in the Florida Everglades with alligators and crocodiles OH MY! The River Of Grass is ready for adventure, come take a ride with us!
Call or inquire online! We are happy to answer your questions and make the booking of your Everglades River of Grass experience nice and easy.
