American alligator : North Carolina wildlife profiles

' NORTH ' CAROLINA American Alligator North Carolina Wildlife Profiles '■Щс. ' ■r- ' Photo: Jeff Hall American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) Two dark eyes and a leathery back skim the water at the edge of a murky swamp. Like a large lizard, the alligator searches the water’s edge in search of food. Many different kinds of alligators existed in the prehistoric past, but only two remain today. The Chi nese alligator, which inhabits the lower Yangtze River valley in China, and the American Alligator. These two reptiles share the order Crocodilia with their cousins the crocodiles. Crocodiles inhabit many tropical and temperate areas of the earth, but only one is found in the US. The American crocodile is often confused with the American alligator where their ranges overlap in extreme south Florida. An alligator has a broader snout and only its upper teeth show when the mouth is closed. The crocodile snout is much narrower, and both the upper and lower teeth show when the mouth is closed. Description Alligators resemble lizards, but grow much larger and have proportionally thicker bodies and tails. Like many reptiles, alligators reach a larger size in Florida and other southern latitudes, sometimes reaching 15 feet. In NC, males can reach 13 feet and weigh up to 500 pounds or more. Females generally grow to less than 9 feet and weigh up to 200 pounds. Adults range in color from black or dark gray to dark olive. Juveniles are born with bright yellowish-white bands that encircle their bodies. These bands gradually fade over time. Alligators have a broad snout that is useful for digging, a short neck and legs, and a thick tail that is used to propel them through water. Contrary to popular belief, the tail is not used to attack prey. Two turret-like eyes stick above the skull so the alligator can see above the water as it swims. Its leathery skin is toughest on its back, where small bones called osteoderms create a rough, ridged shield. Unlike the turtle, though, these hard, flat bones are not connected to each other, so the alligator retains greater flexibility. History and Status Today, the American alligator is a common sight in the lakes, swamps and rivers along the Gulf of Mexico, the entire state of Florida, and the coastal regions of the southeastern US northward to NC. They became scarce in the early 20th century due to loss of habitat as well as unregulated hunting for hides and meat. In 1967, the American alligator was one of the first species the US Fish and Wildlife Service listed as Endangered. This protection allowed alligator populations to recover in many areas. Today, it is federally listed throughout its current range as Threatened due to Similari¬ ty of Appearance. Habitats & Habits In the southeast, the American alligator inhabits freshwater swamps, marshes, ponds. Likes and the backwaters of large rivers. They have also been observed in brackish water and even on beaches. Adult alligators arc usually solitary, but often congregate together, especially in the breeding season. Both males and females vocalize. The male calls with a Two dark eyes and leathery skin Phoio: Jeff Hall Alligator Crocodile Range and Distribution The American alligator ranges from coastal North Carolina to southern Florida west to central Texas. In North Carolina, they inhab¬ it freshwater areas mostly east of Robeson County northward to Cates County. The largest populations live in the coastal coun¬ ties of Brunswick, New Hanover, Craven, Columbus, Onslow and Pender. Alligators are also seen in other areas of eastern North Carolina, and are even sometimes found on coastal beaches. Distribution Range