Alligators are one of the most captivating creatures in the world. It’s not surprising. According to scientists, fierce and fearsome animals fascinate the public. It also doesn’t hurt that alligators and crocodiles retained some dinosaurian features. It’s easy to imagine a miniature dinosaur if you look at the alligator’s snout, razor-sharp teeth, and strong tail.
Millions of people visit Florida because they want to see what’s left of the dinosaur family. You can satisfy your curiosity in a safe environment nowadays. There are also many cool things to know about alligators.
One of the Closest Living Relative of Dinosaurs
What do alligators look like? That’s one of the most asked questions when it comes to this reptile. Part of it is due to its similarities to dinosaurs. But many people wonder about the relationship between crocodiles and dinosaurs.
So are alligators related to dinosaurs? The question is quite complicated as there are no living examples of dinosaurs. Scientists have acknowledged that alligators are one of the dinosaurs’ closest living relatives. They share common ancestors that existed about 230 million years ago.
The American alligator might not be as massive as a dinosaur but it’s still a giant beast. How big do gators get? Female alligators can grow to nine feet in length. Males can grow as much as 14 feet and can reach 500 pounds. That’s bigger than some crocodile species.
The largest alligator ever recorded is the Stokes Alligator. It’s named after the family that killed it. This gigantic gator was 15 feet and nine inches long. It also weighed 1,011.5 pounds. The animal was reportedly 24 to 28 years old when it died. You can gaze at this gator at the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum in Montgomery, Alabama.
Alligators have an armored body, like the Ankylosaurus. The skin on a gator’s back is full of bony plates called scutes or osteoderms. One of the most distinct parts of the alligator is its snout. It’s long, rounded, and has an upward-facing nostril. The snout has anywhere from 74 to 80 sharp teeth. A gator can have as many as 3,000 teeth in its lifetime.
You can also tell an alligator from a crocodile by its teeth. The gator’s fourth tooth in its lower jaw fits into the upper jaw’s socket. If you can’t see any teeth protruding when the mouth’s closed, it’s an alligator.
Alligators also have four short legs. You should never underestimate the power of these legs as they can put on a burst of speed. How fast are alligators? These animals can run up to 30 miles an hour. The good news is they can only do this within a short distance. They typically don’t chase their prey beyond 100 feet. But it’s not a good idea to be within 10 feet of them since they’ll have no problem catching you.
These characteristics are why you need an expert to go alligator-seeing in Florida. A gator attack is always a possibility here. The state is rife with stories of alligator attacks. The most recent incident was in May. A nuisance gator reportedly killed 47-year-old Sean McGuinness.
Hands Down Winner of the Reptile Popularity Contest
Is an alligator a reptile? Yes, it is. It’s also one of the most popular reptiles. This is according to a study done by researchers from Oxford and Tel Aviv University. It shows the American alligator ranked as the seventh most popular reptile in the world. Like snakes, lizards, and turtles, alligators and crocodiles are cold-blooded. They can’t control their internal body temperatures. It’s why most reptiles live in warm areas.
Florida’s sunny and warm days make it a haven for the American gator. Its swamplands, marshes, and brackish water are ideal habitats for it. You can see alligators warming themselves up at the edges of lakes and rivers. They’ll slip into the water to cool down when the temperatures go up. They also stay submerged when it gets cold. Gators also create “gator holes” in the mud.
These holes or dens provide alligators relief during extreme weather. But did you know it also helps maintain Florida’s ecosystem? Gator holes will often fill with water. These then become watering holes for animals and habitats for fish.
Smarter Than You Think
Alligators are a lot smarter than people think. Researchers have observed American gators tricking birds. They can balance branches and sticks on their heads while submerged. The small pieces of wood act as lures for nesting birds. As soon as they land to pick at the branch, the gator moves for the kill.
Love and Gators
Alligators have a complex and sophisticated courtship ritual. Males start off the breeding season by bellowing to catch attention. This very loud announcement of their availability has an infrasonic element to it.
The bellow causes the water surface around the male gator to ripple. It’s one way to attract a female’s interest. They also blow bubbles and head slap the water. You might also see gators rubbing snouts and backs. It’s also part of their courtship rituals.
Can crocodiles and alligators mate? No, this is one impossible scenario. They belong to two different species. Their genes will never be compatible enough to produce offspring.
Learn More About Gators in the Sunshine State
See another side of Florida with Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures. Our company is famous for giving fun and memorable airboat rides. We’ll show you the diverse beauty of our swamps and marshes. You can see alligators and other wildlife. We guarantee your safety during the one-hour boat ride. You can call us at (352) 643-0708 to book a tour. You can also send us an email at ronandpam@swampfeveriarboatadventures.com.
