{"id":6630,"date":"2024-06-26T08:01:39","date_gmt":"2024-06-26T14:01:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pasopacifico.org\/?p=6630"},"modified":"2024-09-24T15:49:23","modified_gmt":"2024-09-24T21:49:23","slug":"american-crocodile-vs-alligator-key-differences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pasopacifico.org\/american-crocodile-vs-alligator-key-differences\/","title":{"rendered":"American Crocodile vs Alligator"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Many people have trouble telling american crocodiles apart from alligators, especially when comparing the American crocodile vs American alligator in terms of their appearance and behavior. These cold-blooded behemoths look similar but several defining characteristics separate the two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Join Paco Pacifico as we explore the difference between the American crocodile vs alligator. We\u2019ll also provide insights into how wildlife corridors<\/a>, like the one at Paso del Istmo, play a key role in their survival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) belong to the suborder Eusuchia in the reptile family Crocodylidae, the same as crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Though not friendly, these ancient behemoths can live sympatrically if they\u2019re of similar sizes \u2014 living in large areas with an abundance of food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, alligators and crocodiles are frequently seen swimming across the impressive R\u00edo San Juan. Some reports also evidence rare sightings of these majestic beasts in another region of Nicaragua: Jinotega.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They also co-exist in Barra de Santiago, in the western region of El Salvador. One of the largest mangrove complexes in Central America, it provides a habitat to an impressive range of wildlife, including alligators and crocodiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s how you can tell the alligator from the American crocodile:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crocodiles are generally considered more aggressive than alligators, but this isn\u2019t the case with crocodiles in America. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike their man-eating cousins found in other parts of the world, they\u2019re shy, reclusive, secretive, and rarely attack humans. In fact, when a crocodile basking under the sun is startled, they\u2019ll quickly and noisily enter the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That doesn\u2019t mean they can\u2019t be dangerous, so keep your distance!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, alligators exhibit a fear of humans and will retreat when approached. However, they can and will attack if provoked, which can be particularly scary as they can sprint as fast as 35 miles per hour<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n American crocodiles primarily eat fish, though their diet also includes small mammals, birds, crustaceans, frogs, and turtles. They\u2019ll wait for their meal to get close before ambushing and suppressing it with their massive jaws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alligators have similar dietary preferences but they are opportunistic feeders. They\u2019re flexible and will eat whatever is abundant and easily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n American crocodiles have grayish-green colors with pale white to yellowish undersides. Adult alligators, on the other hand, are the darkest colored of all living crocodilians. When considering the differences, one might ask, what colour is an alligator? Adults typically have a dark gray or black hue while juveniles have yellow bands on their sides for camouflage. In contrast, if you\u2019re wondering, \u201cwhat is the color of a crocodile?\u201d you\u2019ll find they exhibit grayish-green shades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Male adult alligators can grow to over 11 feet and weigh up to 790 pounds. However, exceptionally large specimens can weigh nearly half a ton or 1,000 pounds. Females are smaller, rarely exceeding 8 feet and 6 inches while weighing up to 201 pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In contrast, Crocodylus acutus are significantly larger. Males have an overall length of 20 feet and weigh up to 1,102 pounds. Large adults have been known to exceed 2,200 pounds. Similar to gators and other crocodile species, females are smaller. They reach a maximum length of 12 feet 6 inches and weigh up to 381 pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The American crocodile has a v-shaped snout, with sharp, interlocking teeth delivering some of the strongest bites in the animal kingdom at 2,980 pounds per square inch. In contrast, the opportunistic alligator has a long, rounded snout, with the upper jaw jutting out when shut. <\/p>\n\n\n\n American crocodiles inhabit coastal, brackish, or saltwater areas. They are found in coves, creeks, and ponds in Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Southern Florida, Mexico, and along the Central American coast south of Venezuela.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, alligators live along the edges of slow-moving freshwater rivers, lakes, marshes, and swamps. You\u2019ll find them in the southeastern states from Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi to North and South Carolina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main reason for their unique distribution is the lingual salt glands on crocodiles\u2019 tongues. This physiological feature enables them to eliminate excess salt from their bodies, making them more adaptable to salty marine environments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Alligators also possess this gland; however, it is not as efficient. Alligators thus have a lower tolerance for saltwater and prefer freshwater areas like marshes and lakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While population data is limited, experts estimate there are about 1,000-2,000 crocodiles across Central and South America and Mexico. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Previously hunted for its hide, these beasts now serve as a prime example of conservation success. For example, a 2015 piece shows that their population has gone from five to a staggering 200+ in the Barra de Santiago nature reserve. However, they still remain under the U.S. Endangered Species Act<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In contrast, alligators are a rare sight in Mesoamerica. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Rio Grande American alligator is not native to the region, but you can find them in areas adjacent to the Texas border. They might make their home base in the Gulf Coast Prairies and the Mexican Marshes in Mexico. If you\u2019re lucky, you can also sneak a peek at their relative, the caiman, in Guatemala.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCan Alligators and Crocodiles Occupy the Same Habitats?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
American Crocodile vs Alligator: Main Characteristics <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Behavior <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Diet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Color<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Size <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Snout <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Habitat <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Differences in Population<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why Do American Crocodile Populations Remain Low?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n