The Alligator
The alligator was once almost extinct. It has now become more common because there are laws to protect it. The alligator lived during the time that dinosaurs lived!
It is the largest reptile in America. They are quite common in swamps and rivers.The alligator cannot live in saltwater.
This reptile will usually stay away from humans, but can become a pest when it makes its habitat around people. It can eat pets. People must be careful around alligators because they can be surprisingly quick on land and can run a short distance.
Alligators build "gator holes". When there isn't much water, alligators will dig shallow pools with their feet and snouts which become homes to fish, turtles, snails, and other freshwater animals.
Alligators like to stay in deeper water, but female alligators will move to land in shallow water to build nests. They build a little hill with any plants they can find. The mother lays about 50 eggs and then covers the eggs with more plants. She will stay nearby to protect the eggs from predators. When the eggs are ready to hatch, the alligators call to the mother with grunts. She will come and uncover them.
The first two years of an alligator's life are the most dangerous. The young alligators are often eaten by snakes, birds, large fish, and even other alligators. When they are grown, they are usually safe from predators.
Alligators eat fish, turtles, lizards, snakes, small mammals, and birds that live near water. Young alligators eat insects, snails, frogs and small fish. It eats mostly at night.
If the weather does get cold, the alligator will dig a cave in the bank along the water. They will stay there until the weather warms.
