Since they swallow their food whole, bigger prey either has to be stored under water to rot a while, or the gator will grasp the prey in its jaws and spin and thrash until chunks of bite sized flesh are ripped from the body. They have a valve at back of throat that shuts down when the gator is grabbing its prey so water does not rush down their throat.
Our gators stop eating in the winter and start again in Spring. They can go several months without food; their metabolism slows when it gets cold. In the wild, when it gets cold, the alligators will also go without food until conditions improve or Spring arrives.
They thrived and are doing very well. Texas is even considering having a hunting season for alligators because they are getting so numerous. Scovill Zoo has two juvenile alligators used in our mobile zoo programs. FYI: It is illegal to have an alligator as a pet in Illinois, although it is legal in other states.
Conservation Status: Common Scientific Name: Alligator mississippiensis The American Alligator can reach a weight of — pounds and a length of 9 — 16 feet. This is illustrated below - the alligator on the left does not have any sense organs, but the crocodile on the right does. Other differences: The above points are amongst the most obvious differences between crocodiles and alligators in terms of external appearance.
However, each species is unique, and to list all the possible differences would be like comparing a jaguar with a lion. Differences in behaviour are also apparent.
Most people regard crocodiles as more aggressive than alligators, and this is true of some species. For example, alligators are relatively docile next to saltwater crocodiles, but there are many species with many differerent kinds of behaviours and temperaments. A general rule that crocodiles are more aggressive than alligators just isn't possible to make. Alligators can often reach at least 14 or 15 feet in length, which is larger than some crocodile species, but not others.
The largest crocodile species is the saltwater crocodile, which can get to at least 17 or 18 feet - some rare individuals exceeding 20 feet after many years. The African dwarf crocodile, as a contrast, doesn't grow larger than 4 or 5 feet.
There are also reports of crocodiles attacking and eating humans. By: Editorial Staff Updated: Feb-2, Did this article help you? Yes No. Thank you! What was wrong? The facts are wrong. Want more images. Article is outdated. Too short - want more details.
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