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American Alligator

Alligator mississippiensis

Quick Facts

Scientific name: Alligator mississippiensis
Class: Reptile
Weight: 500 to 1,000 pounds
Life span: 30 to 50 years
Conservation status: Least concern
Number of offspring: 35 to 50 eggs at a time

About

I LIVE IN NORTH AMERICA

The American alligator is native to the United States, they can be found from North Carolina to Texas. They prefer freshwater, slow-moving rivers, but will also live in swamps and lakes.


I AM A CARNIVORE

As a carnivore, an American alligator will eat a range of smaller animal species including fish, turtles, birds, and almost any mammal they can find along the water’s edge.


AMERCIAN ALLIGATORS ARE SOCIAL

American alligators are known to be very social and can be found living in small groups. While female alligators tend to stay together in a smaller area, male alligators are more solitary and will roam around areas of up to 2 miles.


OH MY, WHAT BIG TEETH YOU HAVE

An adult American alligator will have anywhere between 74 and 80 teeth. Lost teeth are continuously replaced, and a single American alligator can go through about 3,000 teeth in their lifetime.


Conservation

Learn more about our efforts, our conservation partners around the world, and the simple steps you can take to contribute.

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