Crocodilians

There are approximately 22 species of crocodilians living today.  Of these, there are two species of alligators (one in the United States and one in China), five species of caimans (all in South America, although one has been introduced into Florida), and the long-snouted gavial of India.  The remaining 14 species are crocodiles that inhabit tropical areas throughout the world.  There are two species native to Florida, the American Alligator and the American Crocodile.  There is one introduced species, the Brown Caiman, that is found in canals common to the Miami area.

American Alligator - Alligator mississippiensis

Alligators are our largest reptiles.  Adult males grow up to 15 feet in length and can weigh as much 500 pounds.  Females reach lengths of 8-9 feet.  Their color is usually dark green or brown.  They have a broad snout, with the edges of the upper jaw overlapping the teeth of the lower jaw.  Their huge jaws and sharp teeth are used to catch and hold prey, not to chew.  They will eat almost anything that walks, flies, or swims within their reach, including small mammals, waterfowl, and fish.