The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), sometimes referred to as the common alligator and simply alligator or gator, is a large crocodilian
native to the Southeastern United States, one of two extant species in the genus Alligator, and is larger than the only other living alligator species: the Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis).
Adult male American alligators measure 3.4 to 4.5 meters (11.2 to 14.8 feet) in length, with the smaller females measuring 2.6 to 3 meters (8.5 to 9.8 feet), and can weigh up to 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds), with unverified sizes of up to 5.84 meters (19.2 feet) and weights of 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds), making it the second longest and the heaviest of the family Alligatoridae, after the black caiman. The American alligator inhabits subtropical and tropical freshwater wetlands, such as marshes and cypress swamps, from southern Texas to North Carolina. It is distinguished from the sympatric American crocodile by its broader snout, with overlapping jaws and darker coloration, and is less tolerant of saltwater but more tolerant of cooler climates than the American crocodile, which is found only in tropical and warm subtropical climates.
American alligators are apex predators and consume fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, with hatchlings feeding mostly on invertebrates. They play an important role as ecosystem engineers in wetland ecosystems through the creation of alligator holes, which provide both wet and dry habitats for other organisms. Throughout the year (in particular during the breeding season), American alligators bellow to declare territory and locate suitable mates, with males using infrasound to attract females. Eggs are laid in a nest of vegetation, sticks, leaves, and mud in a sheltered spot in or near the water. Young are born with yellow bands around their bodies and are protected by their mother for up to a year. This species displays parental care, which is rare for most reptiles. Mothers protect their eggs during the incubation period, and move the hatchlings to the water using their mouths.
The conservation status of the American alligator is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Historically, hunting had decimated their population, and the American alligator was listed as an endangered species by the Endangered Species Act of 1973, being removed from endangered status in 1987 after subsequent conservation efforts have allowed their numbers to increase. The species is the official state reptile of three states: Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
History[]
Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous[]
Hap Stieber had at least one bite to his right forearm from an alligator.
"Misguided"[]
When comparing injuries with Ben Pincus, Hap showed him the alligator bite on his arm in comparison to the leech bite on Ben's left shoulder.
Novels[]
Jurassic Park[]
Alligators were mentioned with crocodiles by Alan Grant when he stated that they don't know all the details of living reptile nesting behavior because those particular animals are difficult to study. The American alligator in particular was stated to be a case where the female guards the nest, awaiting the time of the eggs hatching. The male alligator spends the early spring days lying beside the female in a mating pair, blowing bubbles on her cheeks to bring her to receptivity, eventually causing her to lift her tail so they can mate. 2 months later, when the female builds her nest, the male has already left since the start. The female guards the cone-shaped 3 foot-high nest ferociously; when the hatchlings begin to squeak and emerge from their shells, she often helped break open the eggs, then nudged them toward the water, sometimes carrying them in her mouth. In other words, adult alligators protect their young. Grant also states that the have a kind of group protection: young alligators make a distinctive distress cry that brings any adult (parent or not) who hears it to their assistance in a full-fledged violent attack, not a threat display, but a full-on attack.
Games[]
Jurassic World Evolution[]
The American alligator was mentioned in the "Did You Know?" fact of the species profile video for Velociraptor (which can bite with the same force as a large American alligator at over 8,000 Newtons).
Toys[]
Jurassic Park Series 2[]
"Harpoon" Harrison and Dr. Snare previously worked at the same alligator farm in Florida.
