Texas Gulf Coast Fishing

American Alligator

AMERICAN ALLIGATOR Alligator mississippiensis

Description: The American alligator is a large, semi-aquatic, armored reptile that is related to crocodiles. The American alligator has a slightly rounded body, with thick limbs, a broad head, and a very powerful tail. Adult Alligators generally have a green, olive, brown, gray or nearly black color with a creamy white underside. The tail, which accounts for half of the alligator's total length, is primarily used for aquatic propulsion. The tail can also be used as a weapon of defense when an alligator feels threatened. Alligators travel very quickly in water and while they are generally slow-moving on land, alligators can be surprisingly quick on land and are capable of running quickly over short distances. American Alligators can remain underwater for several hours if not actively swimming or hunting (then it is only about 20 minutes); they do this by rerouting blood to reduce circulation to the lungs, and thus the need for oxygen.

Habitat: Alligators are found in or near water. They are common in swamps, rivers, bayous, and marshes. While typically found in fresh-water, they can tolerate brackish water as well. Alligators live in wetlands and this is the vital habitat that holds the key to their continued long-term survival. Alligators depend on the wetlands, and in some ways the wetlands depend on them. As apex predators, they help control the population of rodents and other animals that might overtax the marshland vegetation.

Feeding Habits: Alligators are carnivorous, and will eat anything they can catch, including fish, turtles, lizards, snakes, small mammals, water birds, crustaceans and other alligators. Once an alligator reaches adulthood, any animal living in the water or coming to the water to drink is potential prey. Adult alligators will eat wild boars, deer, dogs of all sizes, livestock including cattle and sheep.

Size: Adult male alligators average 11-12 ft. in length, while adult females average 8-10 ft. Average body weights are reported from 270 to 800 lbs, with extremely large, old males exceeding 14 ft and 1,000 lbs.

Distribution: The American Alligator is found throughout the southern U.S., including the eastern third of Texas.

Remarks: The American Alligator, once on the verge of extinction, has made a tremendous come-back over the past 30 years. In 1969, Texas provided complete protection for the American alligator and classified it as endangered after passage of the Texas Endangered Species Act in 1973. Under this protection, along with Federally implemented regulations eliminating unregulated alligator hide markets in the United States, the species has made a full recovery and was delisted from the status of endangered in 1985. The alligator is now a protected game animal in Texas. Special permits are required to hunt, raise, or possess alligators.