Alligators

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About Alligators

The American alligator has a large lizard-like body with four short legs and a long muscular tail. A gator's hide is rough and scaled. Alligators and crocodiles are similar in appearance, but exhibit a number of differences. Alligators are dark colored with a broad, rounded snout and are usually found in fresh water. Crocodiles are grayish-green and prefer coastal, brackish, and salt-water habitats.

A Closer Look

Alligators are found in both natural and man-made freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetland areas of the southeastern United States; from Texas to Florida and north coastal plains of Georgia, North and South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.

Ask an Educator

Q: How long do alligators live?

BG: Alligators live an average of 30 to35 years in the wild and up to 50 years or more in captivity.

 

Q. What do alligators eat?

BG: Alligators feed on fishes, turtles, mammals, snakes, birds, and even other alligators (under certain conditions) and will also eat carrion.

 

Q: Where can I see alligators at Busch Gardens?

BG: Our alligators are located in the Morocco area of the park next to Myombe Reserve