There are only two species of alligator in the world. One lives in China and the other, the American alligator, in the southeastern United States. Both species live on riverbanks and in swampy areas. In the past, the American alligator was quite common. It was hunted for ite scaly skin from which expensive handbags, shoes, and wallets are made. Selling alligators as pets also decreased their numbers. Legend has it that young alligators were brought to New York, were flushed down toilets, and wound up in the sewers. There they supposedly multiplies. There is no evidence that this actually occured, but the story lives on.

Youn alligators feed on shellfish and insects. As they grow up, they attack fish, frogs, rodents, birds, and sometimes deer. But they are not a real danger to people.

An alligator spends a large portion of its time completely still, warming itself in the sun. Alligators mate in the water. The female builds and enormous nest on a riverbank. She lays from 20 to 80 eggs and covers them with rotting plants. As the plants further decompose, they make heat, which keeps the eggs warm. Two or three months later, the eggs hatch and the young call to their mother, who then opens the nest. The youn alligators soon begin to fee themselves.

American alligators have been protected from hunters and collectors since the 1960's and have made a remarkable comeback. Lucky Ducks' Page
Geocities