Today's Dinosaurs
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Alligators are the largest reptiles in North Carolina. These ancient reptiles are native to our coastal areas. Alligators were here long before we were. They should be respected and left alone. They are a natural part of the local area and if not disturbed, fed or harassed, they can exist as wild animals and there is no reason for concern.
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FAQ
how big do alligators get in north carolina?
In North Carolina, the typical size for females is 9 Ft or less and the males can grow to between 11-13 Ft.
how long do they live?
They can live 40+ years in the wild.
can i feed one?
NO! It is against the law to feed an alligator. In NC it is a Class H Felony and can be subject to a $500 fine and/or jail time. If alligators are fed, they become "Food Conditioned" gators. They will associate humans with food. They do not see the difference between the food you are trying to feed them and you.
what should i do if i see one?
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE! Always be aware of your surroundings. Alligators are ambush predators. Often times you can not see them until you are within striking distance.
what can i do to help protect them?
Alligators have survived for millions of years. They have remained largely unchanged throughout their evolution. They do not need our help. Just let them exist as the beautiful wild creatures that they are.
Of the 23 species of crocodilians living in the world, only two are true Alligators:
The American Alligator
What we have in NC
Chinese Alligator
Critically Endangered
The American Alligator’s scientific name
“Alligator Mississippiensis”
is derived from an anglicized version of the
Spanish “El Legarto,”
meaning “The Lizard.”
The American Alligator
What we have in NC
Chinese Alligator
Critically Endangered
The American Alligator’s scientific name
“Alligator Mississippiensis”
is derived from an anglicized version of the
Spanish “El Legarto,”
meaning “The Lizard.”
NC Species Classifications
(In accordance with
The Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973)
A status of "Threatened" includes any native species likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range within the state and/or is designated "Threatened" by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act.
(In accordance with
The Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973)
A status of "Threatened" includes any native species likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range within the state and/or is designated "Threatened" by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act.
Alligators are a
Threatened Species
in the state of NC. It is a Class H Felony to kill one. If found guilty, individuals can be fined $500 and/or go to jail for a period of 4-24 months. There is also a “replacement cost” of $4313 for killing an Alligator.
Threatened Species
in the state of NC. It is a Class H Felony to kill one. If found guilty, individuals can be fined $500 and/or go to jail for a period of 4-24 months. There is also a “replacement cost” of $4313 for killing an Alligator.
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Alligators are usually shy in nature. Feeding an Alligator causes it to lose its fear of humans.
It associates us with food, but can’t distinguish between us and the food we give them. Please DO NOT feed an Alligator. It can be dangerous. In 2007, the NC General Assembly passed a law (GS § 113 291.11) making it illegal to feed an alligator. |
► American Alligators are found in the wild in North & South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Texas.
► They inhabit swamps, rivers, ponds and lakes. While they prefer fresh water, Alligators may sometimes enter brackish water, but they are less tolerant of salt water than crocodiles, as the salt glands on their tongues do not function.
► The average size for an adult female Alligator in NC is approximately 8 feet and the average size for a male is 11 feet. Exceptionally large males can reach up to 13 feet and weigh nearly half a ton.
► Both males and females have an "armored" body with a muscular flat tail. The skin on the back is armored with embedded bony plates called Osteoderms or Scutes.
► They have four short legs; the front legs have five toes, the back legs have four.
► They are diurnal and nocturnal, meaning they are active both day and night.
► They live in large holes called dens which provide protection, but they are also commonly seen basking during the spring and summer.
► Alligators may be spotted by watching for eyes, a head or a snout protruding from the water surface.
► A group of Alligators are known as a “Congregation.”
► They inhabit swamps, rivers, ponds and lakes. While they prefer fresh water, Alligators may sometimes enter brackish water, but they are less tolerant of salt water than crocodiles, as the salt glands on their tongues do not function.
► The average size for an adult female Alligator in NC is approximately 8 feet and the average size for a male is 11 feet. Exceptionally large males can reach up to 13 feet and weigh nearly half a ton.
► Both males and females have an "armored" body with a muscular flat tail. The skin on the back is armored with embedded bony plates called Osteoderms or Scutes.
► They have four short legs; the front legs have five toes, the back legs have four.
► They are diurnal and nocturnal, meaning they are active both day and night.
► They live in large holes called dens which provide protection, but they are also commonly seen basking during the spring and summer.
► Alligators may be spotted by watching for eyes, a head or a snout protruding from the water surface.
► A group of Alligators are known as a “Congregation.”
Alligators are apex predators and consume fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. They play an important role in the wetland ecosystems through the creation of “holes” which provide both wet and dry habitats for other organisms. All year long, but particularly during the breeding season, Alligators “bellow” to declare territory and locate suitable mates. Male Alligators use infrasound to attract females. Eggs are laid in a nest of vegetation, sticks, leaves and mud in a sheltered spot in or near the water. The sex of an Alligator is determined by the temperature of the nest. Temperatures below 88 degrees produce females. 88 and above produces males. Hatchlings are born with yellow bands around their bodies and are protected by their mother for up to one year. They feed mostly on invertebrates and are referred to as juveniles.
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The bite force of an
American Alligator is about 2125 lbs. 
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