An American alligator resting in shallow wetland water — Photo: Steve Hillebrand, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Public domain

Reptile

American Alligator Facts Alligator mississippiensis

ReptileSoutheastern United StatesCarnivore

American alligators are large crocodilians native to wetlands of the southeastern United States. Their ponds and nesting mounds can create shelter and habitat for other wetland species.

Habitat: Freshwater
Diet: Fish, turtles, birds, mammals, and other aquatic prey
Lifespan: 20–30 years in the wild; up to about 50 years in captivity

Classification

Family: Alligatoridae. Order: Crocodilia.

American Alligator Habitat

American Alligators live in Freshwater and Wetland habitats. Their recorded range includes Southeastern United States. Suitable food, shelter, and conditions for raising young help shape that range.

What Do American Alligators Eat?

Diet classification: Carnivore. Recorded foods: Fish, turtles, birds, mammals, and other aquatic prey.

American Alligator Lifespan, Size, and Weight

Recorded lifespan: 20–30 years in the wild; up to about 50 years in captivity. Recorded size: 260–460 cm. Recorded weight: 90–450 kg.

American Alligator Conservation Status

American Alligator is listed here as Least Concern. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.

Quick facts

Region: Southeastern United States
Habitat: Freshwater, Wetland
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: 20–30 years in the wild; up to about 50 years in captivity
Size: 260–460 cm
Weight: 90–450 kg

Fun facts

The sex of hatchlings is influenced by the temperature of the nest during incubation.
Adults can survive cold spells by resting with their nostrils above freezing water.
Alligator holes retain water during dry periods and provide refuges for other wildlife.
Mothers guard nests and may carry newly hatched young gently in their jaws.