Alligators are one of the oldest creatures still living on earth today. They are totally fascinating animals that have evolved over time.
Crocodylia is the order in which alligators fall. Alligators are known for their wide, rounded snouts and their black coloration. Only the upper teeth of an alligator are visible when its jaws are closed.
If we dig further about where alligators live, we will be able to find out a lot more about their characteristics. Alligators’ habitat is not limited to just one place. There are species of alligators that exist around the world and in different areas.
Below, you will discover more information about where alligators live and other interesting facts about these amazing creatures.
Read on for more!
Interesting Facts about Alligators
Alligators bask in the sun and live in freshwater habitats, such as slow-moving rivers, swamps, marshes, and lakes. They cannot survive in saltwater for long periods because they do not have salt glands.
They are cold-blooded reptiles often digging burrows 65 feet (20 meters) long in which they rest and protect themselves from extreme weather conditions.
On sunny days, they can use the shores of bodies of water to warm up or cool down, depending on their preference.
When temperatures drop, American alligators are known to spend more time submerged, where they can keep warm for longer periods than they can in the open air.
When alligators leave a burrow, the hole they abandon fills with freshwater and becomes a breeding ground for a host of other animals. So it’s important to keep and nurture alligators in their native ecosystem to benefit other species as well.
Alligators also hunt in the water. In the water, their tails allow them to travel at a high rate of speed which allows them to be able to catch more prey. According to the San Diego Zoo, American alligators can swim at 20 mph (32.18 km/h) and run on land at 11 mph (17.7 km/h).
Alligators eat anything and everything. These reptiles are carnivores, so they’ll eat anything they can get their hands on. This includes other alligators, mollusks, birds, as well as other reptiles. In spite of the fact that alligators are primarily carnivores, they will eat fruit as well.
Only at the southern tip of Florida do American alligators and American crocodiles share the same habitat, as stated by National Geographic.
Where Do Alligators Live in the United States?
American alligators with a large, dark, slightly rounded body and thick limbs inhabit the coastal wetlands of the U.S. Southeast, ranging as far north as North Carolina and as far west as eastern Texas, and extending down to southern Florida and including the Everglades.
The largest population of American alligators can be found in Gainesville, Florida. An estimated five million alligators live in the southeastern U.S., with a quarter of the population in Florida.
The American alligator is one of many species that has fully recovered and increased in population; thanks mainly to the protections given by the Endangered Species Act.
Where Do Alligators Live in Florida?
According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, American alligators primarily live in South Florida’s brackish water habitats such as ponds, coves and creeks of mangrove swamps for many centuries.
Encounters with Alligators in Florida
Florida, the Sunshine State, is the most southeasterly state in the entire United States. In recent years, Florida has experienced tremendous human population growth. People from all over the country move to this warm, sunny state, especially retirees and vacationers. Many residents seek waterfront homes and increasingly participate in water-related activities.
The population of alligators in Florida has also shown a massive increase. According to Newsweek, there are an estimated 1.3 million alligators in the state of Florida.
Alligators usually leave people alone and will not attack unless they feel threatened. As long as you keep your distance from them, avoid swimming in their habitat, and avoid getting too close to their nests, you should be okay.
Year after year, children and adults are always interested in learning more information about where the alligators live when visiting Florida.
Many visitors prefer alligator watching during winter, mostly because gators come out of the cooler water to catch the warm rays. In spring, the low growls of amorous males fill the air, signaling their breeding season.
Alligators tend to spend more time in the water in the hottest summer months. They like to lie on the bottom of rivers and lakes where it is cooler. The alligator mating season begins in late March. At this time, it’s easier to spot alligators in Florida.
Experience Fun Times Where Alligators Live
At Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures, you can get a chance to discover the natural habitat of where alligators live and enjoy the best airboat rides in Orlando, Florida.
Come join our unique and exciting hour-long airboat ride, where you can have a free photo taken with an alligator. Call us at +1 (352) 643-0708 to secure your tickets.
