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The American alligator |
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The American alligator (Alligator
mississippiensis) is the largest reptile in North America. Alligators play an important ecological role during a
drought. They dig deep holes, or “dens,”
that provide water for themselves and the rest of the wildlife community.
Alligators are typically black, with yellowish or
cream crossbands that become less apparent with age. Alligators
and crocodiles are closely related, but it's easy to tell the difference. Alligators have
broad, rounded snouts and don't have exposed fourth teeth on their lower jaws. Crocodiles
have narrow, pointed snouts and do have exposed fourth teeth on their lower jaws.
Methods
of hunting
Alligators are excellent swimmers and typically lurk in the water and wait for their prey. They use their
huge mouths and powerful jaws to quickly grab unsuspecting prey in or near the water.
Alligators have
jaws designed for ripping and tearing flesh rather than for chewing it. Once an
alligator has clamped its jaws down on its prey, it rolls in the water. This allows the
alligator to rip bite-sized sections of flesh off its prey for easy eating.
Social and reproductive aspects
During the courtship process, the male rubs the female’s throat with his head and
blows bubbles past her cheeks. The male stays
with the female for several days before mating.
After mating,
the female seeks a suitable site to build her nest and lay her eggs. Alligator nests
are typically located near water. The female lays from 28 to 52 eggs in the
nest, which she then covers. About 65 days
later, the hatching young call out to their mother from within the nest with a
“y-eonk, y-eonk” sound. This prompts the
mother to open the nest and free them.
Predators
In the past, alligators have been relentlessly hunted for their hides. As a result, their population has been greatly
reduced. They are currently under state and federal protection.
References
Special thanks to the National
Audubon Society.
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