National Alligator Day, May 29th

Written By: Aimee Turcotte
While traveling in Dallas, Texas, I visited the Dallas World Aquarium, where I had the chance to behold a gorgeous crocodile larger than I could ever have imagined. Reflecting upon the fully grown alligator that we have at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, I realized that although crocodiles and alligators look similar, crocodiles tend to be longer than alligators, which is one of the most noticeable differences between these reptiles. This observation increased my interest in learning about the differences between crocodiles and alligators, which we have the pleasure of studying during National Alligator Day. ​

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The American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, is a fascinating species because of their ability to adapt to their freshwater environments in the Southeastern U.S. When underwater, an alligator can breathe, since they have upward faced nostrils at the end of their long and rounded snout. An alligator’s scaly and armored skin composed of bony plates, aka scutes, is one trait that protects them from predation. Additionally, these animals’ strong bite with their sharp, carnivorous teeth, is a threat to any animal that sees them as food, making it unfavorable to attack these alligators in hopes of obtaining a meal.  As a result, fully grown alligators are the apex predator of their given environment, with their only predator being humans. When alligators eat prey such as fish, turtles, snakes, frogs, and mammals, if their teeth are worn, they can be replaced over time. Overall, alligators go through approximately 2,000 to 3,000 teeth during their life, with up to 80 teeth in their mouth at once. The upper teeth go slightly over the lower teeth, which differentiates between an alligator and crocodile, since a crocodile’s teeth intersect.  

How were these apex predators once on the brink of extinction? The harvesting of alligator skin for the manufacturing of boots, belts, and saddles, began in the 1800s, threating populations of American Alligators due to hunting. Deforestation and degradation of American Alligator’s habitats because of human construction removes the vegetation that these animals depend on for shelter, making these areas inhospitable for alligator’s survival. Climate change, a serious threat to all animals, is correlated to the rising of temperatures, causing mortality of alligators due to heat intolerance. Thankfully, the American Alligator became federally protected in 1967, causing the rebound of their populations. Zoos are assisting with the conservation of the American Alligator because under human care, these animals typically have a longer lifespan (65 to 80 years). The opportunity to breed and defend young successfully without the threat of predation by birds, bobcats, otters, snakes, and other predators, has also contributed to the population growth of alligators.  
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Why are alligators important? Alligators digging depressions and tunnels before their dormancy (deep sleep) period makes them a keystone species for a variety of animals because other species can use the tunnels for protection as well against the cold or heat. Therefore, alligators are partly responsible for the survival of other species by providing shelter.   
Observing the growth of our juvenile alligator, Perses, has been a wonderful opportunity. We received Perses from an alligator sanctuary in South Carolina, and once he reaches his full size, he will go back to the sanctuary. Education staff at the zoo help Perses grow by providing him with a nutritious meal of assorted chopped meats, warmth from a heat lamp, and an area in his tank to swim. I love his yellow stripes, which is a method of camouflage for juvenile alligators to hide in grasslands. He has been growing so fast, and I cannot wait to see him as an adult!  ​