Where do alligators live?
Quick Answer
American alligators live in the southeastern portion of the United States, with largest populations residing in Florida and Louisiana. The Chinese alligator is native to China.
Continue Reading
Full Answer
Alligators split their time between sunbathing on land and hunting for prey in bodies of water. They create "gator holes" that are used for protection from the elements and hibernation. The alligators dig these holes using their snouts and tails.
Alligators tend to live near abundant food sources. Adult alligators consume snakes, fish, turtles, birds and small mammals. Alligators don't see humans as prey. They do have a natural fear of humans, and they will attack if threatened. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, it is rare for an alligator to chase a human.
Learn more about AlligatorsRelated Questions
-
Q:
How fast do alligators grow?
A: American alligators are 8 to 12 inches long at birth and grow 2 to 12 inches per year depending upon the habitat, food source and sex of the alligator. The... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is a prehistoric alligator?
A: Of the many giant crocodiles and alligators that lived in prehistoric times, the largest may have been Sarcosuchus, a distant relative of the modern crocod... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What do you call a baby alligator?
A: Baby alligators are called hatchlings. When hatchlings reach maturity, they grow to be approximately six feet long. Mature males are known as bulls, and ma... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is the bite pressure of an alligator?
A: The bite pressure of alligators is slightly different depending on the specific species, but saltwater crocodiles have the strongest bites. Their jaws gene... Full Answer >Filed Under:
