Alligator Facts for Kids

Habitat

• Alligators are found only in the United States and China. American alligators can be found all over the southeast United States, particularly in Louisiana, Eastern Texas, Florida, and the southern parts of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. These animals live in freshwater environments such as marshes, swamps, and other wetlands. Chinese alligators are found only in the Yangtze River valley and are extremely endangered. In fact, in the early 21st century there are more Chinese alligators living in zoos than there are in the wild.

Behavior

• While smaller alligators often live together in groups, larger alligators tend to be solitary and more territorial. Both large male and female alligators will fight other alligators for territory. Alligators are known for being slow, heavy creatures. While that is true, thanks to the slow metabolism that can be found in most reptiles, they are capable of sudden bursts of speed when chasing down prey. Although there are reported cases, alligators rarely attack humans. They are usually shy and will walk or swim away when people get close. Alligators typically live 35 to 50 years in the wild and 60 to 80 years in captivity. They can also reach 18 feet in length and can weigh between 450 and 600 pounds.

Powerful Jaws

• The alligator's jaws have evolved to be able to bite down upon and firmly grip their prey. The muscles that close an alligator's jaws are incredibly strong and are capable of breaking bone, but the muscles that open the jaws are relatively weak. In fact, a human can hold an alligator's jaws shut with his bare hands. Duct tape can also be used to hold a captive alligator's jaws shut when it is being transported.

Alligator Diet

• Alligators are carnivores. This means that they eat meat. Alligators start off eating fish, worms, snails, and insects when they are young. When they grow up they eat practically any kind of meat. This includes large fish, birds, mammals, and other reptiles. Although it is rare, alligators have been known to attack large mammals and drag them into the water to drown them. They even eat animals that are already dead, as it is so much easier than trying to catch something fresh. Alligators usually stick to smaller creatures that they can eat in one or two bites.