American Alligator

Alligator mississippiensis

The American Alligator is the biggest reptile in North America. Its skin is prized for leather goods, and the species was hunted nearly to extinction before laws were passed to protect it in the 1960s. Today, alligators often can be seen basking in the sun near water in the southeastern United States. Gators dig deep holes in wetlands, which fill up with groundwater and help other wildlife survive droughts. These are called gator holes.

Look For : A large, dark gray to black lizardlike creature that looks as if it is dressed in a suit of armor. Snout wide, with a rounded tip. Large fourth tooth on each side of bottom jaw does not show when jaws are closed.

Length : 6-19'.

Habitat : Canals, ponds, rivers, marshes, swamps.

Range : Coastal southeastern North Carolina to the Florida Keys and west to southeastern Texas; north to Oklahoma and Arkansas.