Alligators in Florida

Key Facts About Alligators in Florida

Population and Status

• Florida is home to approximately 1.2 million alligators, the highest alligator population in any state.
• The American alligator is the official state reptile of Florida.

Diet and Behavior

• Alligators are opportunistic predators, feeding on fish, snakes, turtles, and other small mammals that are readily available.
• They are known for their vocalizations, making growls, hisses, and bellows to attract mates, signal distress, or mark territory.

Reproduction and Growth

• The temperature of the nest during incubation determines the gender of alligators:
  • Below 86°F produces females.
  • Above 93°F produces males.
  • Between 86-93°F can produce both genders.
• Alligators have 74-80 teeth in their jaws at any given time and can go through 2,000-3,000 teeth in a lifetime as old ones are replaced.
• They continue growing throughout their lives, with males reaching up to 15 feet long and females up to 9 feet.
• During the mating season in early spring, male alligators bellow loudly, slap their heads on the water, and blow bubbles to attract females.
• Mother alligators fiercely protect their nest of 20-50 eggs and carry the hatchlings to water in their mouths after about 65 days of incubation.

Unique Characteristics

• Florida is the only place on Earth where alligators and crocodiles naturally coexist, with the main difference being alligators have a broader, U-shaped snout.

For more information, visit the Florida Alligator Information page.