American Crocodilians

Join us here for our Swamp Servings presentation every Monday at 4:00pm. Weather permitting.

American alligators have one of the strongest bite forces among living animals. Their powerful jaws are capable of exerting tremendous pressure, estimated to be around 2,125 pounds per square inch (psi). This allows them to crush the shells of turtles and the hard exoskeletons of crustaceans, making them formidable predators in their aquatic habitats. Despite their impressive bite strength, American alligators are typically not a threat to humans.

The alligator on exhibit may look big, but for her age she should be a lot larger! She was found as an egg around 1983, and was hatched prematurely by a little boy. Because of this, she has poor cognitive development, the inability to open her mouth wide, and stunted growth.

Learn more from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/facts/

We do not have an American crocodile currently on exhibit.

American crocodiles are a federally protected species and are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Their populations in Florida are limited primarily to coastal areas of the Everglades and Florida Bay, where they inhabit brackish and saltwater environments. They have adapted to tolerate higher levels of salinity in their environment compared to other crocodilian species. They possess special glands in their tongues that allow them to excrete excess salt, helping them maintain proper osmotic balance in their bodies.

Learn from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/reptiles/american-crocodile/