How Do You Identify The American Alligator?
The American alligator is a large predatory reptile that is quite common along the eastern coast and throughout the southeast in general. Found as far west as Texas, the American alligator can be found in virtually any body of water. The American alligator is very easy to identify if you know what to look for. Though it is closely related to the crocodile, there are a number of clear differences between the two. Here is how to identify the American alligator. Realize the American alligator goes from tiny to huge in a short time. As baby alligators they are only 8 inches long and will grow to 20 feet long. Notice that the baby alligators are black with a white belly. They also have white bands across the top of their bodies that will fade as they age. Older American alligators are black as well when they are wet, but are actually a dark gray color when dry. Observe that alligators have a broader, rounder snout than their cousins, the crocodiles. Crocodiles also have a visible tooth that
