Many people have difficulty distinguishing crocodiles from alligators due to the use of the names that are often confused. Despite their similar appearance, there are some key physical characteristics that can be used to easily distinguish the two.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Observing Physical Differences
Step 1. Observe the muzzle
The easiest way to tell a crocodile from an alligator is to look at its snout. The alligator's snout is U-shaped, wider, and curved, while the crocodile's snout is thinner, longer, and V-shaped. The snout of alligators is also shorter than that of crocodiles.
The wider muzzle of the alligator gives it more power than the crocodile. Alligators can crush hard-shelled prey, such as turtles, more easily
Step 2. Pay attention to the teeth
When the muzzle is closed, the crocodile's teeth can still be seen from the outside. In contrast, in alligators, the upper jaw is wider than the lower jaw. Therefore, all his teeth will be hidden when his mouth is closed.
- Because the upper jaw of the alligator is wider, the teeth in the lower jaw will enter and hide in the upper jaw when the mouth is closed.
- Since the crocodile's upper and lower jaws are roughly the same width, their teeth will snap together when the snout is closed. This causes some of his teeth to be seen from the outside when his mouth is closed. The fourth teeth on both the right and left sides of the crocodile's lower jaw will stick out upwards, making it appear as if it is smiling.
Step 3. Observe the body
Alligator skin tends to be darker than crocodile skin. Crocodile skin is often lighter in color, with colors such as green or brown. Usually, the skin of alligators is dark blackish gray. Crocodiles also have a longer body than alligators. The average length of an adult crocodile can reach 5.8 m while that of an alligator is only 3.4 m.
- In general, an adult alligator weighs 363-453.6 kg. Crocodiles can grow larger and weigh up to 453, 6-907, 2 kg.
- The life span of alligators is 30-50 years, while crocodiles are 70-100 years.
Step 4. Observe the difference in the foot and the tread
Most crocodiles have some kind of tuft on their hind legs while alligators do not. In addition, the alligator's footprints have membranes while the crocodile's does not.
Part 2 of 3: Knowing the Natural Habitat of Both
Step 1. Find out if the area it inhabits is a freshwater or saltwater habitat
Due to their low resistance to salt, alligators usually live in freshwater habitats. Sometimes, alligators also inhabit brackish water areas (where fresh water mixes with the sea). In general, alligators live in swamps and marshes, with some of them being found in rivers, lakes, and smaller water areas. Although they like warmth, alligators can also survive freezing temperatures.
Step 2. Find out if the climate of the habitat is tropical or marine
In contrast to alligators, crocodiles have modified salivary glands that can help them survive in salt water. Usually, crocodiles live near lakes, rivers, wetlands, and some saltwater areas. Crocodiles live in tropical climates because their bodies are cold-blooded and cannot produce their own heat.
Step 3. Check the geographic position of the habitat
Crocodiles can be found in tropical areas of Africa, Asia, Australia, and America. Alligators live in the Southern United States and China. The United States is the only country inhabited by crocodiles and alligators at the same time.
- The American alligator is found frequently in Florida and Louisiana, and less frequently in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Texas.
- American alligators are usually found in Florida.
Part 3 of 3: Observing His Behavior
Step 1. Observe the activity level in the water
Crocodiles tend to be more active and spend more time in the water than alligators. Alligators spend most of their day lying in the mud or grass surrounding lakes or marshes.
- Alligators tend to lay their eggs in mounds of vegetation surrounding freshwater environments.
- Crocodiles lay their eggs in slightly drier places such as mud or sand.
Step 2. Observe the level of aggressiveness
The aggressiveness of crocodiles, in general, is higher than that of alligators. Crocodiles are more likely to attack when something approaches, while alligators usually only attack when they are hungry or threatened.
In zoos and their natural habitats, crocodiles have a higher aggressive behavior towards humans than alligators
Step 3. Observe the speed
Crocodiles and alligators are very fast swimmers, both of which can reach speeds of up to 32 km/h. On land, both move slower with a running speed of only 17.7 km/h. However, due to their smaller bodies and higher stamina, alligators can generally run longer than crocodiles.
Warning
- Do not approach alligators or crocodiles unless you are with a professional handler.
- If you are forced to enter the habitat of an alligator or alligator, try not to be too flashy or angry. Remember, males become more aggressive during the breeding season.
