Coming face to face with either a crocodile oran alligatoris undoubtedly a frightening situation.
Here’s how to know the difference between an alligator and a crocodile.
Where Alligators Live
Alligators are only found in parts of the United States and China.
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Once considered threatened, there are about 5 million alligators living in the U.S. now.
Florida and Louisiana have the largest alligator populations, with each home to more than a million.
Alligators live in freshwater and some brackish waters, including rivers, ponds, canals, and swamps.
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They also live in the Keys, the Caribbean, and further south.
Crocodiles can be spotted in mangrove swamps, marinas, and in a few inland canals.
VisitEverglades National Parkfor the chance to see the two species coexist.
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The young are dark with yellowish stripes.
Its hide can become a bit more green thanks to the algae in the water.
Crocodiles, on the other hand, tend to be more grayish-green or tan in color.
The young are light-colored with darker stripes.
Can An Alligator And A Crocodile Mate?
Sadly for mad scientists everywhere, the answer to this question feels like no.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.American Alligator.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.American Crocodiles.
Everglades Holiday Park.The Difference Between the Alligators & Crocodiles of the Everglades.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.American Crocodile.
Smithsonian Insider.Genetic study confirms American crocodiles and critically endangered Cuban crocodiles are hybridizing in the wild.
