American Alligator

Alligator mississippiensis

American alligators are considered keystone species due to the holes they dig. Although alligators do not hibernate, they undergo periods of dormancy when the weather becomes cold. They may excavate a cave in a waterway and leave a portion of it above water during this time. In areas where water level fluctuates, alligators dig themselves into hollows in the mud, which fill with water. These tunnels are often as long as 65 feet and provide protection during extreme hot or cold weather for not only the alligators, but many other species such as fish, frogs, and turtles.

Fun Facts:

As an alligator’s teeth are worn down, they are replaced and they can go through about 3,000 teeth in a lifetime
An alligator’s jaw is strong enough to crack a turtle shell

Conservation Threats:

Least Concern

Natural Habitat

Freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetland areas

Range

Coastal areas of the Southeast

Size

Weight: 1000 lbs

Length: 14 ft

Lifespan

30-35 years in the wild, up to 50 years in managed care

Gestation

Egg hatching occurs after 65 days of incubation

Diet Details

Small hatchling alligators eat insects, crabs, crayfish, small fish, frogs, snails and many other small prey

Larger alligators eat fish, turtles, mammals, snakes, crabs, crayfish, birds, insects and other alligators

ZooTampa at Lowry Park Zoological Society of Tampa, Inc., an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to excellence in conservation, education, recreation and research. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is featured among the “Top 25 Zoos in the U.S” by TripAdvisor.

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Lowry Park Zoological Society of Tampa, INC.: Registration No. CH140
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