Alligators and crocodiles are often confused for one another. These large reptiles are closely related to each other, but alligators have snouts that are rounded and more black in color. You can also see the teeth of an alligator when its mouth is closed, which is something you can’t see with a crocodile. Here are 6 other fun facts to consider about this fascinating and somewhat terrifying creatures.
1. That’s a Deadly Bite
If the teeth of an alligator weren’t intimidating enough, there’s also the power of its bite to consider. Alligators have one of the strongest mouths that have ever been recorded by science. In a 2004 study on alligators, scientists discovered that an alligator bites down with almost 3,000 pounds of force. Since they have a strong level of stomach acid that breaks down food quickly for them, they are able to eat almost 25% of their body weight in a single setting.
2. Mmm… Tasty Alligator
Outside of mankind, the biggest threat to the existence of the average alligator is another alligator. When they are first born, it is not uncommon for older, much larger alligators to see the young ones as a tasty snack. A 2011 study concluded that about 7% of the juvenile crocodile population is eaten each year by their older companions.
3. Fight That Infection
Alligators are tough critters for a lot of different reasons. They have that hard exterior shell that helps to protect them. Then there’s the sharp teeth and the strong bite. They can drag their prey under the water to drown them thanks to a good ability to hold their breath. Then there’s the fact that alligator blood can combat viruses and bacteria very effectively. Even if an alligator were to lose a major limb in a bacteria-infested swamp, it will likely not suffer from an infection.
4. Alligators Love Each Other
To study alligator genetics, scientists observed alligators in Louisiana over the course of 10 years. What they discovered was that many female alligators would routinely choose the same males for mating on multiple occasions. Even if a female alligator would go mate with a different partner in one year, she would still show a preference for long-term fidelity with her initially chosen partner.
5. It’s Not Just the Meat
Alligators might be feared carnivores, but fruit trees fear alligators just as much. These animals will always eat some fruit when they get the chance to do so and they are very effective at dispersing fruit seeds.
6. Alligators Can Do More Than Swim
Most people think of alligators as a speedy swimmer who can attack on land as well as on sea. If you’re in an area that has alligators present, however, you might also want to keep an eye on those overhanging branches. Alligators are incredibly versatile at climbing and have been known to be able to scale fences.
7. Where Do They Live?
There are nearly 5 million alligators around the country with the majority found in Florida. Alligators also live in Louisiana, certain areas of North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and southern Texas. In the last decade the range of the alligator has been slowly moving north into the country.
