What is the Difference Between Alligators and Crocodiles?

People often wonder what the difference is between an alligator and a crocodile. First, alligators are only found in the southern parts of the United States and are also found in China. In contrast, crocodiles can be found almost anywhere in the entire world. The animal’s locales are one of the biggest differences between the two species.

In addition, another obvious difference between alligators and crocodiles lies in the teeth and jaws. Alligators have teeth that disappear when the mouth is closed. Crocodile’s sharp teeth are constantly visible, whether the mouth is closed or not. Crocodiles have a lighter brown color and alligators tend to be a darker grayish black color. There are many small differences in appearance between the two reptiles. The snout of the alligator is on the broader side and the crocodile has a much thinner snout.

Alligators are not necessarily the violent predators of humans that most assume them to be. If encountered by a human in its natural habitat, the alligator is more likely to run away than to pursue and harm the human. In contrast, crocodiles are widely known to kill humans who approach them. The crocodile is easily the more aggressive of the two animals.

Although the alligator and the crocodile both live and hunt primarily in water; the alligator prefers a fresh water habitat. Crocodiles prefer salt water environments due their functioning lingual salt glands. Alligators lay eggs in plants and vegetation near the water. The crocodile likes to reproduce in mud and even in the sand.

There are probably much more similarities between crocodiles and alligators than there are differences. For instance, crocodiles and alligators both reptiles are from the Crocodilian family. All Crocodilians share several common characteristics. Alligators and crocodiles both live in water, can hold their breath for extremely long periods of time, are superior hunters, and can eat almost anything that crosses their path.

The alligator and the crocodile are both fascinating animals and despite their differences are very similar. If encountering a crocodile or an alligator, one would not stay around long enough to decipher their subtle differences. Perhaps this is what causes so much confusion. Nevertheless, the alligator and crocodile are some of the largest reptiles in the entire world, and it is understandable that they are sometimes referred to interchangeably.

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