3. 3
Taxonomy
Order: Crocodylia
Family: Alligatoridae
Genus/species: Alligator mississippiensis
Alligator mississippiensis
Alligator mississippiensis
Alligator mississippiensis
Diet Crocodilians are carnivorous. They have very strong jaws that can crack a turtle
shell. They eat fish, snails and other invertebrates, birds, frogs, and mammals that come to the
water's edge. They use their sharp teeth to seize and hold prey. Small prey is swallowed whole.
If the prey is large, crocodilians shake it apart into smaller, manageable pieces. If it is very
large, crocodilians bite it, then spin on the long axis of their bodies to tear off easily swallowed
pieces.
Crocodilians are carnivorous. They have very strong jaws that can crack a turtle shell. They eat
fish, snails and other invertebrates, birds, frogs, and mammals that come to the water's edge.
They use their sharp teeth to seize and hold prey. Small prey is swallowed whole. If the prey is
large, crocodilians shake it apart into smaller, manageable pieces. If it is very large,
crocodilians bite it, then spin on the long axis of their bodies to tear off easily swallowed
4. Life As A Gator
Alligators become dormant during
periods of cold weather, typically
December through March. During
these conditions, they seek shelter in
dens that they excavate under pond banks.
The den is usually underwater, since
the gator’s metabolism and breathing
have slowed such that it may only need
a few breaths of air per day.
5. THE BABY ALLIGATOR
Mating occurs
in April and the
female will lay
30 to 50
oblong, white
eggs in a
mound of mud,
stems, stalks
and fronds.
Eggs typically hatch
in June or July and
the baby alligators are
often taken to the
water, one by one, by
the female. They
immediately begin
feeding, mainly on
insects, small fish,
and frogs. Hatchlings
will grow
approximately 6-8
inches per year
7. Interesting Facts About Alligators
the
the
Eggs turn into male or female depending on the
temperature! Male usually come out of warmer
temperatures and females out of cooler
temperatures.
According to scientists, Alligators have been
around for millions of years.
That’s right! Alligators are as old as dinosaurs!
Alligators can weigh over 1,000 pounds!
8. Native Americans and Alligators
the
the
The Seminole tribe had a history of hunting alligator
for food and would use the skin and bones as
materials and trade. They even had a whacky sport of
wrestling them!
10. Lakeland, Florida
the
the
Lakeland is a beautiful place to live. Thousands of alligators
live here and it is our responsibility to respect them for how
incredible they are!
11. Gator Homes In Lakeland
the
the
Lakeland has 38 named Lakes and many more smaller
unnamed lakes. Alligators make their habitat in these lakes
and find their way into ponds and sewer systems as well!
12. In Case of Alligator Emergency
the
the
Alligators are beautiful animals but they need their space or
they will become dangerous! If an alligator is a threat to you
and your property call Florida’s gator hotline!
866-FWC-GATOR
13. In Hollywood, Florida there is a Seminole Okalee Indian Village in which you
can watch a live alligator wrestling match between a fierce alligator and a
trained seminole indian. Dont try this at home!
EXPLORE AND LEARN
14. At the Alligator Farm Zoological Park in St. Augustine you can watch reptile
shows and tour alligator lagoons up close with a trained professional!
EXPLORE AND LEARN
15. Psalms 104:24-28 - How many are your works, O Lord! In
wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your
creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming
with creatures beyond number - living things both large and
small.... These all look to you to give them their food at the
proper time,. When you give it to them, they gather it up;
when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good
things.
16. 16
Alligators
Alligators are wonderful creatures that
display the creativity and provisions of
God! How we treat nature reflects how
we feel about our creator. We must
respect them as they surround us in our
hometown!
