Alligator mississippiensis
The American alligator is a powerful reptile native to the southeastern United States, especially throughout wetlands, swamps, rivers, and marshes in states like Georgia and Florida. Growing up to 15 feet long, these armored reptiles are built for life in the water, with strong tails for swimming and eyes and nostrils positioned on top of their heads so they can see and breathe while mostly submerged.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the American alligator is currently listed as Least Concern, but that wasn’t always the case. By the mid-1900s, unregulated hunting and habitat loss caused alligator populations to plummet. In 1967, they were listed as endangered. Thanks to strict legal protections, habitat management, and regulated wildlife programs, their populations rebounded dramatically. In 1987, they were officially removed from the endangered species list as one of America’s greatest wildlife conservation success stories. Today, American alligators are carefully managed to ensure populations remain stable while wetlands continue to be protected.
Alligators are considered a keystone species in their ecosystems. They create “gator holes”, depressions in wetlands that hold water during dry seasons. These holes provide critical refuge for fish, turtles, birds, and other wildlife when water levels drop. By protecting alligators, we also protect the wetlands that support countless other species. Healthy alligator populations are a sign of healthy freshwater ecosystems.
Did you know?
Alligators can go through 2,000–3,000 teeth in a lifetime, constantly replacing lost ones.
The temperature of the nest determines whether hatchlings are male or female.
Mother alligators guard their nests and even gently carry hatchlings to the water in their mouths.
During cold snaps, alligators can enter a state called brumation and have even been seen sticking their snouts above icy water to breathe.
While they’re known for swimming, alligators can also move quickly on land for short bursts.
Alligators have a third eyelid that acts like goggles when they're in the water.
