​Today's Dinosaurs

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.