alligator: Quick Facts

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Nov. 8, 2026

News •

‘Never in a million years’: alligator strolls into North Carolina bagel shop • Nov. 4, 2026, 11:48 AM ET (The Guardian)

Alligator kills 71-year-old man fishing at pond in Florida • Oct. 17, 2026, 3:00 AM ET (CBS)

Facts

Also Known As	Alligator

Photos

Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

Side-by-side illustration comparing the heads of an American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and a saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) from a side view, highlighting differences in snout shape and structure.

Illustration of a Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis), an endangered species, showing a dark, armored body and broad snout, with a length of about 200 centimeters or 79 inches.

Illustration of a Mississippi or American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) with its mouth open, showing a broad snout, armored body, and thick tail, alongside a scale bar for size reference.

Top view illustration comparing the broad, U-shaped head of an American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) with the narrower, V-shaped head of a saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus).

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The bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) is seen in Switzerland on December 2024

Animal Factoids

Close up of saltwater crocodile as emerges from water with a toothy grin. The crocodile's skin colorings and pattern camouflage the animal in the wild.

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Sea otter (Enhydra lutris), also called great sea otter, rare, completely marine otter of the northern Pacific, usually found in kelp beds. Floats on back. Looks like sea otter laughing. saltwater otters

Animal Group Names