The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
Found mostly in areas of the Southern United States, including Florida, North and South Carolina, and Texas, the American Alligator acts as a powerful apex predator within marshlands, rivers, and lakes. These creatures are ectothermic and "cold-blooded". They are unable to regulate their own body temperature, and are forced to rely on the warm temperatures of their surrounding environments. Like other lizard-like ectotherms, A. mississippiensis will typically bask in sunlight during the day in order to maintain a body temperature of about 80-90ºF (27-32°C).
The American Alligator is considered a "living dinosaur" in some respects, because of its archaic origin. The crocodilian body plan has existed for over 180 million years. This alligator typically weighs in at about 1000 lbs (453 kg), with a total body length of about 10-15 ft (3-4.6 m).These large creatures are also exceptionally talented swimmers, and spend a great portion of time within water.
Alligators often mate in early May during the nighttime hours in shallow waters. Females lay around 30-50 eggs, and place the eggs in nests made of vegetation. After hatching, young alligators are at high risk for predation by surrounding predators such as birds, raccoon, or other alligators. Because of this, they must remain with their mothers for about two years.
The American Alligator's diet has a tendency to change as the animal ages. Young Alligators, or hatchlings, typically feed on small insects and fish, a variety of crustaceans, and snails. As they reach maturity, A. mississippiensis will feed on turtles, snakes, fish, carrion, and a number of small mammals. On rare occasions, American Alligators have been known to prey upon ungulates such as deer and domestic pets. Attacks upon mindful humans are exceedingly rare. As apex predators, American Alligators maintain the biodiversity of a given habitat.
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