The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), sometimes referred to colloquially as a gator or common alligator, is a large crocodilian reptile native to the Southeastern United States. It is one of the two extant species in the genus Alligator, and is larger than the only other living alligator species, the Chinese alligator.

Adult male American alligators measure 3.4 to 4.6 m (11.2 to 15.1 ft) in length, and can weigh up to 453 kg (1,000 lb), with unverified sizes of up to 5.84 m (19.2 ft) and weights of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) making it the second largest member of the family Alligatoridae, after the black caiman. Females are smaller, measuring 2.6 to 3 m (8.5 to 9.8 ft) in length. The American alligator inhabits subtropical and tropical freshwater wetlands, such as marshes and cypress swamps, from southern Texas to North Carolina. It is distinguished from the sympatric American crocodile by its broader snout, with overlapping jaws and darker coloration, and is less tolerant of saltwater but more tolerant of cooler climates than the American crocodile, which is found only in tropical and warm subtropical climates.

American alligators are apex predators and consume fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Hatchlings feed mostly on invertebrates. They play an important role as ecosystem engineers in wetland ecosystems through the creation of alligator holes, which provide both wet and dry habitats for other organisms. Throughout the year (in particular during the breeding season), American alligators bellow to declare territory, and locate suitable mates. Male American alligators use infrasound to attract females. Eggs are laid in a nest of vegetation, sticks, leaves, and mud in a sheltered spot in or near the water. Young are born with yellow bands around their bodies and are protected by their mother for up to one year.

The conservation status of the American alligator is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Historically, hunting had decimated their population, and the American alligator was listed as an endangered species by the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Subsequent conservation efforts have allowed their numbers to increase and the species was removed from endangered status in 1987. The species is the official state reptile of three states: Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Gator Country (Full Episode) | Florida Untamed :gator-bi:

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  • Acute_Engles [he/him, any]
    ·
    2 years ago

    All the baby formula is locked in a glass case at one of the walmarts nearby. (How dare a parent steal food for their baby)

    It has a big button that is supposedly used to call an employee but it just plays a noise on the speaker that's on the back of the button so it's barely audible.

    Flag down an employee "hi sorry to bother you but i need some formula"

    'Did you press the button? '

    "Yeah but i don't think it's working"

    'Someone will be around. I don't have keys for that'

    I just left idk

    • InevitableSwing [none/use name]
      ·
      2 years ago

      I just left idk

      I talked to the person at the closed deli counter. It went like this...

      Me: "Excuse me - I want buy some whiskey. The sign says 'Push the service button' but there is no button."

      Her: "Hmm..."

      Me: "Could you call somebody to open it up?"

      Her: "Unnn..."

      At that point I didn't know what to say so I just smiled, I went back to the locked booze cabinet, and I paced like an expectant father.