Just Two Living Species
There are only two alligator species alive today: the American alligator, common across the southeastern U.S., and the Critically Endangered Chinese alligator, found only in a small region of eastern China.
A Bellow That Carries
During breeding season, male alligators produce a deep, resonant bellow — sometimes accompanied by a "water dance" that makes the surface ripple — audible from a considerable distance.
A Broader Bite Than Its Cousin
An alligator's broad, U-shaped snout is built to crush turtles and other hard-shelled prey, in contrast to a crocodile's narrower snout, suited to a broader range of prey.
Tolerating the Cold
Unlike most crocodilians, American alligators can survive brief freezing temperatures by floating with just their nostrils above an icy water surface — a behavior called "icing."
A Long-Standing Florida Icon
The American alligator has become deeply associated with Florida and the American South, appearing in state symbols, sports mascots, and regional folklore for generations.
