American Alligator

Status: Species of special concern.Range: Southeastern US from SE North Carolina south to the Florida Keys and west to south Texas.Habitat: Everglades, fresh water lakes, ponds, canals, and swamps.Food: Includes raccoon, opossum, wild pig, fish, turtles, snakes, snails, water birds, and other alligators.Reproduction: A mound of vegetation and mud 3 feet (1 m) high and 5-7 feet (1.5-2 m) in diameter is built at the water’s edge. The female lays 20-50 eggs in the center of the nest and covers them with vegetation. Incubation is 65 days.Facts: Able to move 11 m.p.h. (18 k.p.h.) on land and up to 25 m.p.h. (40 k.p.h.) in water. Biting force is 3000 pounds per square inch (211 kgf/cm²).