Learn and see more about
these prehistoric predators!

Did you know that Florida has both crocodiles and alligators – but crocodiles live in salt water and alligators live in fresh water, like the Everglades!

Breeding season begins in April for alligators. Females will lay an average of 40 – 45 eggs at a time. The incubation period is 65 days. Then around August – September, the baby alligators will hatch – they are usually 3-6 inches long at birth.  Alligators are protected by both state and federal regulations. It is illegal to hunt or trap a wild alligator without a permit.

Gators can grow a record 19 feet 2 inches and weigh up to 1,000 lbs. Wild alligators have a typical life span of 35 – 50 years. 

Alligators have not changed in 65 million years – they are present-day relatives of the dinosaurs.