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Alligator

A Living Fossil: A throwback to the time of dinosaurs, the alligator and its relative the crocodile have changed little in the last 65 million years. The Chinese alligator of Eastern Asia and the American alligator of the southeastern United States are the only two species to have survived evolution

Death from Below: Both species prefer freshwater lakes, marshes and swamps, where they are commonly seen floating in a partially submerged, death-like stasis at the water's surface in anticipation of a fresh meal. They eat a variety of small prey, such as fish, turtles, snakes and small rodents, which they snap up and devour whole. Larger prey, like fully grown wild boars or even antelope, are dragged below the water's surface and held in a viselike grip until they drown, then are devoured piece by piece.

Mating and Rearing: Mating takes place underwater and males attract females by a roaring call. Twenty-five to 60 eggs can be laid by one female each season, which are placed in an enormous nest constructed of vegetation and mud. The mother will stay with the young for as long as three years.

American Comeback: The most widely studied alligator is probably the American alligator. Once seriously endangered in the 1950s due to the fashionable coveting its skin, the American alligator has staged a comeback after being placed under legal protection.

Croc or Gator?: Alligators may look indistinguishable from crocodiles at first glance, but there are several differences. For instance, alligators have broad, U-shaped snouts whereas crocodiles have narrower, V-shaped snouts.

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DID YOU KNOW?

An Unbeatable Bite: At nearly 3,000 pounds per square inch, the American alligator has the most powerful bite ever measured in the animal kingdom.

Holing Up for Winter: In winter, many alligators undergo a period of dormancy. They enter an underground burrow or den and wait for the arrival of spring.

Giant Lizard?: The word "alligator" comes from the Spanish "el lagarto," which means "the lizard." Spanish sailors thought alligators were giant lizards when they first arrived in the Americas.