The American alligator has been present on earth since the times of the dinosaurs, who have been extinct for around 65 million years. Hence, this makes the American alligator an ancient predator that lives in swamps, lakes, rivers and marshes in the south eastern parts of the United States. It is a freshwater reptile that hibernates during winter. It was made into the official state reptile of Florida in the year 1987, and is also the mascot of University of Florida. Besides Florida, this species of alligator is also found in Georgia, Alabama, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Carolina and Louisiana.
A male American alligator can grow anywhere from 3.4 meters to 4.5 meters in length, while the female can be 2.5 meters to 3 meters. Nearly half the length of the alligator is on account of its long and powerful tail. An adult American alligator can be olive, gray, brown or almost black in color, while a hatchling is usually black with yellow stripes.
The American alligator is a carnivore that hunts fish, snakes, birds, small mammals and turtles. However, it is also known to eat carrion at times, especially when there is a shortage of prey. Hatchlings usually live on insects, tadpoles, small fish and frogs.
The American alligator has been present on earth since the times of the dinosaurs, who have been extinct for around 65 million years. Hence, this makes the American alligator an ancient predator that lives in swamps, lakes, rivers and marshes in the south eastern parts of the United States. It is a freshwater reptile that hibernates during winter. It was made into the official state reptile of Florida in the year 1987, and is also the mascot of University of Florida. Besides Florida, this species of alligator is also found in Georgia, Alabama, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Carolina and Louisiana.
A male American alligator can grow anywhere from 3.4 meters to 4.5 meters in length, while the female can be 2.5 meters to 3 meters. Nearly half the length of the alligator is on account of its long and powerful tail. An adult American alligator can be olive, gray, brown or almost black in color, while a hatchling is usually black with yellow stripes.
The American alligator is a carnivore that hunts fish, snakes, birds, small mammals and turtles. However, it is also known to eat carrion at times, especially when there is a shortage of prey. Hatchlings usually live on insects, tadpoles, small fish and frogs.
No comments:
Post a Comment