The American Alligator
The American Alligator, also known as Alligator Mississippiensis, is a large, hefty reptile with thick, bumpy skin that many say resembles the rugged hide of a tire! Reaching lengths up to 15 feet, these intimidating creatures sport a fearsome row of 80 sharp, white teeth - perfect for enjoying a toothy snack in their swampy Southern U.S habitats. But don't think of them as mindless eating machines, they are excellent parents, with alligator moms ferociously guarding their nests and helping their newborns reach the water safely!
| American Alligator | |
|---|---|
| Size | Up to 14 feet (4.3 meters) |
| Weight | Over 1,000 pounds (453.6 kilograms) |
| Speed | Speed: 20 mph (32.19 km/hr) |
| Key Strength | Powerful jaws and muscular body |
| Biggest Weakness | Slow movement on land |
| Scientific Name | Alligator mississippiensis |
| Family | Alligatoridae |
| Habitat | Freshwater habitats |
| Geography | Southeastern United States |
| Diet | Carnivorous, eats fish, turtles, birds, and mammals |
| Lifespan | 30 years - 50 years |
The American Alligator
The American Alligator, also known as Alligator Mississippiensis, is a large, hefty reptile with thick, bumpy skin that many say resembles the rugged hide of a tire! Reaching lengths up to 15 feet, these intimidating creatures sport a fearsome row of 80 sharp, white teeth - perfect for enjoying a toothy snack in their swampy Southern U.S habitats. But don't think of them as mindless eating machines, they are excellent parents, with alligator moms ferociously guarding their nests and helping their newborns reach the water safely!
Fun Fact: Ready for a turning wheel of teeth? The American Alligator continuously grows new teeth to replace the ones that they lose - ending up with over 2000 teeth in their lifetime!
| American Alligator | |
|---|---|
| Size | Up to 14 feet (4.3 meters) |
| Weight | Over 1,000 pounds (453.6 kilograms) |
| Speed | Speed: 20 mph (32.19 km/hr) |
| Key Strength | Powerful jaws and muscular body |
| Biggest Weakness | Slow movement on land |
| Scientific Name | Alligator mississippiensis |
| Family | Alligatoridae |
| Habitat | Freshwater habitats |
| Geography | Southeastern United States |
| Diet | Carnivorous, eats fish, turtles, birds, and mammals |
| Lifespan | 30 years - 50 years |
American Alligator Matchups
We use AI to simulate matchups between the American Alligator and other animals. Our simulation considers size, strength, and natural predatory behaviors to determine the most likely outcome.
Fun Fact: If measuring the size of an alligator with only a ruler sounds scary, then just measure the distance between its eyes! The number of inches between an alligator's eyes directly corresponds to the length of its entire body in feet!
Fun Fact: Talk about a big, sleepy brother! The American Alligator is a known lover of naps, spending most of its day lounging around - up to 16 hours!