Reptiles 3 Alligators & Crocodiles

Alligators and Crocodiles Alligators and crocodiles are the largest LIVING reptiles Both alligators and crocodiles are: – Carnivores – Take care of their young – Often hunt at night – Their strong muscular tails help them swim quickly

What do alligators and crocodiles eat? CARNIVORES: – Fish – Birds – Turtles – Frogs – Pigs – Deer – Buffalo – Monkeys

Alligators – U –shaped snout Have broad, (wider), rounded snouts Only a few teeth visible when the mouths are shut

Crocodiles – V –shaped snout Have pointed snouts Most of their teeth are visible when their mouths are shut

How can you tell the difference?

The Alligator has a U-shaped snout and the Crocodile has a V-shaped snout

Alligators live mostly in the southern United States and northeastern China States where the Alligator lives: Georgia Florida Alabama South Carolina Mississippi Texas

Alligators live in mostly freshwater: Ponds Marshes Wetlands Rivers Lakes Swamps Brackish Water (exception to freshwater rule)

Crocodiles live in Africa, India, North and South America, and Australia

Crocodiles live in saltwater habitats Brackish water Mangrove wetlands Coves (small sheltered bay) Canals

Other differences between Alligators and Crocodiles: Crocodiles are better adapted to living in salt water than Alligators Crocodiles are more aggressive than Alligators Crocodiles are found all over the world while Alligators are only found in the United States and China Alligators are a darker color

The only place where Alligators and Crocodiles live side by side is Southern Florida

Alligator and Crocodile Reproduction Unlike other reptiles, alligators and crocodiles take care of their babies for about 1 year After laying eggs (on land) the female stays near the nest Mother scoops babies up in her huge mouth or carries them on top of her to transport them from the nest to a nursery area where they will be safer