Fatalities from alligator attacks in the U.S. are rare. The average annual fatality rate for death by alligator in the U.S. is one person dies every three years. The truth is that you are more likely to be killed by a dog, a bee or wasp sting, spider bite, rattlesnake, mountain lion, or shark. Many people are unaware that there's a difference between alligators and crocodiles and use both terms interchangeably to describe any large water-dwelling lizard with big teeth.
Caution and common sense should be exercised at all times near and around both alligators and crocodiles. What people don't realize is that, despite some similarities, the two reptiles don't look or behave the same, or belong to the same biological families. Below are some ways to tell alligators and crocodiles apart.
One
of the main differences between alligators and crocodiles is the snout. The
alligator's is broader and shaped like a U, whereas the crocodile’s is longer
and narrower and more V-shaped. It's very possible that the alligator's snout
shape is different because of diet, especially breaking open turtle shells,
whereas the crocodile’s snout is more suited to hunting general prey including
fish, reptiles, and mammals.
When their mouths are closed, the snouts of
alligators and crocodiles are easy to tell apart, as the alligator will have
none of its bottom teeth visible, whereas the crocodile’s lower fourth tooth
can always be seen. Crocodiles often have many visible teeth sticking out over
their lips, giving them a very jagged "smile," but since an
alligator's upper jaw is wider than its lower, it can hide all its teeth when
its mouth is closed.
Alligators
live only in the southeastern U.S. and eastern China, whereas crocodiles can be
found across the world in Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia, North America,
South America, and Central America. If you are in the U.S., then you are far
more likely to encounter an alligator than a crocodile.
Although
there is an American crocodile species, they only live in the southernmost tip
of Florida whereas alligators can be found across Florida and Louisiana as well
as in parts of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, Texas,
Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Alligators also heavily outnumber crocodiles in the U.S.
There are over 3 million alligators, but fewer than 2,000 crocodiles. Southern
Florida is the only place in the world where you will find crocodiles and
alligators living side by side.
Crocodiles
have special glands in their tongues which excrete excess salt from their
bodies. This means that they are capable of spending days, or even weeks at
sea. Alligators also have these glands, but they don’t work as well so they
usually stick to freshwater habitats, although they can sometimes be found in
brackish water (a mixture of salt and freshwater). This difference explains why
crocodiles have managed to spread across the islands of the Caribbean, and
alligators haven't.
An
adult crocodile can grow up to roughly 19 feet long, but alligator’s maximum
length is around 14 feet. Crocodile hides tend to be more of a light tan or
olive color while alligators are usually a dark blackish grey. (The exact shade
of an alligator skin depends upon the quality of the water it swims in. Tannic
acid from overhanging trees will make them darker, and algae will make them
greener).
Both can move quickly on land, but only for
short distances. They can "gallop" or "sprint" but only do
it when threatened, and not for long. A crocodile might reach almost 9 miles per hour
(14 kilometers per hour), while an alligator might reach a maximum speed of about 11 mph (18
kph). They're both much more agile and fast in water where they can use their
long, muscular tails to propel their bodies forward. When crocodiles swim, they
might reach speeds of about 9 mph (15 kph) while alligators might reach a
maximum of 20 mph (32 kph).
Alligators, while definitely dangerous, are relatively
timid compared to crocodiles. An alligator will generally try to escape if
approached by humans, usually heading for the nearest water. The only time that
wild alligators will attack humans is if they are unexpectedly disturbed,
provoked, or defending their young. Alligators are instinctively afraid of
humans but can lose some of that fear with regular contact. Except in
controlled conditions, feeding them is almost always a bad idea as they will
lose some of their fear and see humans as a source of food. They can also
mistake small children and pet dogs for prey.
Crocodiles, on the other hand, are much more bad-tempered and far more likely to attack humans, even unprovoked. Australian saltwater crocodiles are generally considered the most dangerous in the world, followed by Nile crocodiles. American crocodiles, on the other hand, are one of the more timid types that you will find and rarely attack humans. In the U.S., you are more likely to be attacked by an alligator than a crocodile although attacks by either are very rare.
Crocodiles, on the other hand, are much more bad-tempered and far more likely to attack humans, even unprovoked. Australian saltwater crocodiles are generally considered the most dangerous in the world, followed by Nile crocodiles. American crocodiles, on the other hand, are one of the more timid types that you will find and rarely attack humans. In the U.S., you are more likely to be attacked by an alligator than a crocodile although attacks by either are very rare.
“I’m also fascinated by the
difference between terror and fear. Fear says, ‘Do not actually put your hand
in the alligator,’ while terror says, ‘Avoid Florida entirely because alligators
exist.’” (Mira
Grant) [i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“What’s the Difference between Alligators and
Crocodiles?” by Everglades Holiday Park
·
“The 8 Main Differences between Alligators and Crocodiles” by
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