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The name alligator originated from the Spanish word el lagarto, which means the lizard. The American alligator came close to extinction but was saved by the hunting ban of this reptile starting in 1950. It is no longer an endangered species and still strikes fear in the hearts of some humans living near their habitats. The large ones average about 13 feet but they have been known to grow larger. The tail usually accounts for half of its total length. 
Why are they so scary? A gator will attack and
eat fish, mammals, birds, dogs, possum, and racoons feeding along the shorelines
of lakes and rivers. Children and adults have had encounters with the American
alligator. Many have suffered very painful bites or even death.The range of the American alligator covers the wetlands and swamps of southeastern United States. Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Louisiana have many of these creepy crawling giants. Humans cannot resist feeding the alligators marshmallows and other food, which in turn makes them less afraid of man. Don't tempt fate because the gator is a wild animal and should be treated as such. They are also raised on alligator farms for tourist attractions. Byproducts of farm-raised alligator are food and skins for the clothing industry. Alligators take six years to reach maturity and during this time the little babies dine on insects frogs shrimp, and fish. When the alligators grow larger, they relish snakes, mammals, birds, and large fish (such as garfish) for a sumptuous meal. Incidentally, the only time their teeth are visible is when they open their mouth. If you are close enough to look into its mouth you, are definitely too close. Many of the wild life creatures found in nature have clean nests, nesting material, and seem to keep things orderly and neat: Not the alligator; their nest is made of damp rotting vegetation and mud. They lay eggs in clutches of 25-30 and cover them with more rotting vegetation, which creates heat to help incubate the eggs. An interesting feature about the incubation period is, if the nest temperature is low more females will be born, and if the nest temperature is high more males will be produced. The mother's instinct prompts her to select the proper depth for the nest, and she hopes the water doesn't rise above the eggs. Should the water rise and cover the eggs, it's goodby baby alligators, as they will drown inside the shells. The mothers are highly protective of their eggs and nest, but when they are gone they really don't shed any tears. No need for a crying towel. Alligators are fascinating to watch, delicious to eat and dangerous to play with even though they may have recently hatched and are only a few inches long. |
