​Today's Dinosaurs

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 except to leave them alone. 

Of the 23 species of crocodilians living
in the world, only two are true Alligators:
-The American Alligator (what we have in NC)
-The 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.”

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.

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.

The bite force of an
American Alligator
is about 2125 lbs.