EXPLORE > ANIMALS > REPTILES
Alligator mississippiensis
The American alligator, often known simply as a “gator,” has a mythology in the United States almost as long and complex as its natural history. The focus of numerous books, legends, movies and tall tales, this large reptile is found throughout the wetlands of the southern U.S. It is most closely associated with the Great Dismal Swamp in Virginia and North Carolina and the Everglades National Park in Florida.
The alligator is an apex predator in these areas, part of a natural checks and balances system that keeps these great wetlands from being destroyed by rodents and other herbivores. Unfortunately, much of the news and interest around alligators has dealt with the occasional injuries or deaths they have caused to human beings. Although people are certainly not a natural food source to “gators,” human encroachment into natural habitats have led to conflict and this is likely to continue as the wetlands are developed. Fascination and fear also damages the alligator’s reputation. Roadside “gator farms” and exploitive sports such as “gator wrestling” continue to be popular in the southeastern U.S., but have done little to help the public understand this ancient animal.
Range and Habitat
The alligator can be found throughout the swamps, wetlands and mangrove swamps of the southeastern United States.
Conservation Status
Placed on the Endangered Species List in 1967, but concerted efforts to protect alligator led to its removal from the list in only twenty years. Today, it is considered “fully recovered.”
Alligator mississippiensis
The American alligator, often known simply as a “gator,” has a mythology in the United States almost as long and complex as its natural history. The focus of numerous books, legends, movies and tall tales, this large reptile is found throughout the wetlands of the southern U.S. It is most closely associated with the Great Dismal Swamp in Virginia and North Carolina and the Everglades National Park in Florida.
The alligator is an apex predator in these areas, part of a natural checks and balances system that keeps these great wetlands from being destroyed by rodents and other herbivores. Unfortunately, much of the news and interest around alligators has dealt with the occasional injuries or deaths they have caused to human beings. Although people are certainly not a natural food source to “gators,” human encroachment into natural habitats have led to conflict and this is likely to continue as the wetlands are developed. Fascination and fear also damages the alligator’s reputation. Roadside “gator farms” and exploitive sports such as “gator wrestling” continue to be popular in the southeastern U.S., but have done little to help the public understand this ancient animal.
Range and Habitat
The alligator can be found throughout the swamps, wetlands and mangrove swamps of the southeastern United States.
Conservation Status
Placed on the Endangered Species List in 1967, but concerted efforts to protect alligator led to its removal from the list in only twenty years. Today, it is considered “fully recovered.”