On a recent trip to the Florida Keys, we spotted a log-shaped creature bobbing in the ocean outside of our hotel. A couple next to us shouted “Alligator!” but it was actually a crocodile. Florida is the only state in the United States where American Alligators and American Crocodiles co-exist, and it is quite easy to get alligators and crocodiles mixed up. Read on to learn how to tell the difference between alligators and crocodiles, where to find each, and how to stay safe around these Florida reptiles.
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MEET THE AMERICAN ALLIGATOR: FLORIDA'S ICONIC REPTILE
American Alligators (alligator mississippiensis) are a large species of reptile and part of family Alligatoridae. They are found in marshy swampland-like environments in the southeastern United States, especially Louisiana and Florida. Because they are cold-blooded, alligators like to bask on the shoreline or on a fallen log in the warm sunshine. During breeding season, they also dig though the mud with their snouts to make nesting sights called “gator holes.” Alligators are incredibly fast swimmers, even though they may seem lazy when drifting motionlessly in the water, preying on frogs, turtles, fish, and water birds such as herons.
WHAT IS THE AMERICAN CROCODILE?
The American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutes) is a threatened reptile found only in the southern tip of Florida. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, only about 2,000 adult crocodiles live in the wild. Similar to alligators, crocodiles are cold-blooded and will often sun with their mouths open to regulate their body temperature. Hunting in brackish and salt water, crocodiles like to eat snakes, crabs, fish such as bass, tarpon, and mullet, mammals, and even sharks! Crocodiles are literally the predator of predators!
KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ALLIGATORS AND CROCODILES
Between their log-like bodies and pebbly skin, alligators and crocodiles have a lot in common when it comes to physical appearance, but there are some differences that can help you tell them apart in the wild.
First, check their snouts. Crocodiles have V-shaped noses while alligators’ snouts are round like a U. Next, observe their teeth. When alligators keep their mouths closed, their top teeth are still exposed, unlike crocodiles, whose bottom teeth are visible when their mouths are closed. Last but not least, the color of their skin can provide a clue as to whether you are looking at an alligator or a crocodile. Both have varying shades of olive-green, brown, and grey but an American Alligators’ skin is noticeably darker than that of their salt-water cousins.
Check out this webpage to see the visual differences between the two.
WHERE TO FIND ALLIGATORS AND CROCODILES IN FLORIDA
Where can you find these two scaly reptiles in Florida? Alligators are extremely common and likely to be found in just about any body of fresh water. Try taking an airboat tour in Everglades National Park, where a knowledgeable guide can help spot alligators and other wildlife. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Micanopy boasts a notable number of alligators. Hiking trails such as La Chua Trail will likely lead to an alligator sighting.
Alligators are also residents at most zoos in Florida. St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park provides many exhibits, educational programs, and community events where you can observe and learn about alligators, as well as many other animals including other native Florida reptiles.
What about crocodiles? Unfortunately, due to habitat destruction over the recent decades, the population of these beautiful but dangerous predators has decreased tremendously. South Florida is the only place in the United States where you can still view these creatures in their natural habitat. The Everglades and Biscayne Bay are some spots to potentially view crocodiles in the wild, but sightings are rare. We were fortunate enough to spot one from the beach at our resort the last time we visited Key Largo.
HOW TO STAY SAFE AROUND ALLIGATORS AND CROCODILES
As incredible as these creatures are, always keep in mind that they are wild creatures and can be dangerous. Here are some precautions to take if you come across an alligator or crocodile in the wild.
First, keep your distance! Never approach an alligator or crocodile no matter how subdued they seem. Though swimming is their preferred method of transportation, crocodiles can run on land up to 11 miles per hour, and alligators can run up to 30 miles per hour. Also, never walk your pet by the water.
Next, do not feed them! Giving them a bite of your snacks can cause alligators and crocodiles to lose their natural wariness of humans and begin to associate humans with food.
Finally, obey posted warnings and park regulations. If a sign says ‘no swimming,’ don’t get in the water. Also, it’s important to remember that even if there are no signs posted, alligators can be present in any body of fresh water, so swim at your own risk.
You can learn more about safety around alligators and crocodiles in the video below.
THREATS TO ALLIGATORS AND CROCODILES
Although the population of alligators is significantly greater than that of crocodiles, both species are considered threatened. Destruction of their wetland habitats due to human development is primarily to blame. Their eggs are also vulnerable to predation by animals such as raccoons. The proliferation of invasive pythons in the Everglades does not help, either, as pythons, alligators, and crocodiles all compete for the same food sources.
Now you know a little more about two of Florida’s iconic reptiles! If you ever come across an alligator or crocodile in the wild, you’ll be able to tell which one is which. Plus, you have great knowledge of where to find these two apex predators and how to stay safe around them. Want to know even more? For kids, we recommend the books Alligators and Crocodiles by Laura Marsh and Alligators and Crocodiles by Gail Gibbons. For adults, we recommend American Alligator: Ancient Predator in the Modern World by Kelby Ouchley and Alligators: The Illustrated Guide to Their Biology, Behavior, and Conservation by Kent A. Vliet.
Have any questions about American Alligators or American Crocodiles or want to share about a time you saw one? Post in the comments below!
Hadassah
I’m one of the writers and one of the photographers for Florida Unveiled. Ever since I was born, Florida has been a place of magic and inspiration for me. Being able to share all that Florida has done for me through writing and photography has really been a dream come true. Outside Florida Unveiled, I really enjoy fencing, reading, and exploring new places.
