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American Alligator

American Alligator Alligator mississippiensis

Is that a log or an alligator? The American alligator has great camouflage. They have an “armored” skin with  a muscular flat tail. With upward facing nostrils at the end of their snout, they can breathe while the rest of their body is underwater.

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ORIGIN:
Southeastern United States

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HABITAT:
Swamps, marshes, lakes, and slow-moving rivers

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HEIGHT/WEIGHT:
50-1,000 lbs
Length: Up to 19 ft

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DIET:
Fish, turtles, mammals, rats, chickens and birds

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PREDATORS:
Humans, other alligators

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NATURAL DEFENSES:
Can swim up to 20 mph and run up to 11 mph; bumpy skin provides camouflage

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REPRODUCTION:
Lay 20-50 eggs; 65-day incubation

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THREATS:
Human-populated areas; increased toxins in water

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LIFE EXPECTANCY:
Up to 50 yrs in wild

Approximately how long is a new hatchling?
1 ft
10 in
2 in
6 in