Everglades Alligators: Big Snouts, Big Facts

Everglades National Park is the dwelling of an alligator called the American Alligator, and, like its name, makes its home in America. It dwells in the Southeast US with the Everglades being on the Southern extreme of the American Alligator range.

The Everglades National Park is the only place in the world where you can view American Alligators and American Crocodiles living side-by-side in the wild.

Nearly all American Alligators are mature for breeding by the time they reach approximately seven feet in length. Courtship starts occurring in early April. Mating begins in May or June. After this the female will build a mound of a nest, which is made out of soil, vegetation, or debris. When she’s finished with the nest she will deposit 32-46 eggs in it. Hatching takes place from Mid-August to early September.

Though it may surprise you, as it did me, at one point in time American Alligators earned a place on the endangered species list in 1967. Yet, even after hunting gators was outlawed, illegal poaching continued into the 1970s. The reason for this is because the belly of the American Alligator is capital leather. If it had not been for changes in law, extinction may have been possible. Now, populations have improved considerably, with the removal from the endangered species list in 1987, and continue to thrive in Florida today.

American Alligator’s snout is broad, U-shaped, and its teeth are mostly hidden when its mouth is closed. Their feet are webbed. Contrastingly, the American Crocodile, who also lives in the Everglades, has quite different features than the Alligator. Let’s investigate a few. First, American Crocodile’s Snout is narrow and v-shaped versus the U-shaped snout of the gator. The sharp teeth of this crocodile are visible when the mouth is closed. Furthermore the croc’s toes are separated and not webbed like the Alligators’. These two reptiles make a stark contrast of one another.

The lifespan of the American Alligator is about 35-50 years in the wild, and more than 70 years in captivity. That’s a lot of time!

Adult gators can reach swimming speeds up to 20 mph! They can also impressively charge on land up to 11 mph! Watch out for this fast reptile!

In conclusion, the Everglades National Park is home to the American Alligator who swims, breeds, and runs up to intriguing speeds!