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Alligators in Florida: How Big Do Alligators Get

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Swamp Fever
Alligators in Florida: How Big Do Alligators Get

Everyone knows that alligators are some of the apex predators. They appear in plenty of places in the United States but they're often known for living in Florida. That's because Florida has several swamps, and wetlands are their habitat. But alligators do not stay confined to the swampy areas of Florida. You can find them roaming all over the Sunshine State. You might even see an alligator swimming in a puddle at a crowded intersection. Or even one visiting the swimming pool of your neighbor.


Before you go on an alligator tour, it's better if you get to know these creatures first. After all, you don't want any incident to happen that can spoil your family's fun. This article will tell you how big do alligators get. It will also provide facts about the alligators in Florida.


Plenty of individuals often confuse alligators with crocodiles because they're related. But you can distinguish the former from the latter by its wide, rounded snout. Alligators also have a black color and they usually rest with their jaws closed. You will notice that their upper teeth are visible. The crocodiles have narrow, pointed snouts. They also have a gray-green color and both the upper and the lower teeth are visible.


Are you wondering, how big do alligators get? These fascinating creatures can grow up to 800 pounds and 13 feet long on average. According to experts, the female alligators tend to be smaller than male alligators. The largest alligator recorded measured 17 feet and five inches.


Alligators have different means of locomotion, including swimming, walking, running, and crawling. You will find that, unlike most reptiles, alligators walk with their legs beneath them. Other reptiles are diagonal. This kind of walking allows the alligators to lift their tails off of the ground while they move.


Since they're cold-blooded, alligators undergo dormancy when the weather becomes cold. They often dig tunnels that are 65 feet or 20 meters long. This is to protect themselves from extreme heat and cold.

When an alligator finds a mate, its courtship will happen at the start of the spring season. Males often bellow to get the attention of female alligators. These bellow sounds cause the surface of the water to ripple. Moreover, male alligators also tend to slap their heads on the water surface. Then, they blow bubbles for the females.



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