American Alligator Alligator mississippiensis

The American Alligator, usually called just the Alligator (the name comes from the Spanish for lizard, el lagarto) is one of two living alligator species and is native to the southeastern United States, especially to Louisiana and Florida.

Alligators have a much more rounded snout than crocodiles and have no salt gland (to extract salt from saline water).

A massive predator on land and in (fresh) water, male American Alligators can grow typically to some 4.5 metres (15 feet) and have been known in excess of 5 metres.

They are hunted and farmed for leather and meat.

 

Do terrapins sit near alligators for protection from predators?