The 8 Main Differences Between Alligators and Crocodiles

Updated on August 2, 2019

Since completing university, Paul has worked as a librarian, teacher, and freelance writer. Born in the UK, he currently lives in Florida.

So What's the Difference Between Alligators and Crocodiles?

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. What they don't realize is that, despite some similarities, the two reptiles don't look or behave the same. They also belong to different biological families.

8 ways to tell alligators and crocodiles apart:

Shape of the snout. The crocodile's snout is pointed and V-shaped, and the alligator's is wide and U-shaped.
Location. Alligators are only found in parts of the US and China, whereas crocodiles can be found across the world. Scroll down for more information about where you'll find each.
Habitat. Crocodiles prefer water that is more saline or salty than the alligator's preferred freshwater habitat.
Toothy grin. Crocodiles can't hide their teeth, but alligators' teeth are sometimes hidden when their mouths are closed.
Size. A full-grown crocodile will likely be several feet longer than an adult alligator.
Color. Crocodiles are generally lighter in color than alligators.
Speed. On land and in water, crocodiles are usually slower than alligators.
Behavior. In terms of aggression, an alligator might seem tame compared to a crocodile.

Once you understand the differences, it is actually pretty easy to tell them apart. I explore each of these differences in detail below.

Note the pointed, v-shape of this crocodile's snout. The alligator's snout is more wide, rounded, and shaped like a U. | Source

1. Alligators and Crocodiles Have Different Snouts

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.

The alligator's snout is a more rounded U shape. The differences in snouts probably evolved due to dietary differences, with alligators needing to crack open turtle shells. | Source

2. Where Do Alligators and Crocodiles Live?

Alligators live only in the southeastern US 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 US, 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 US. 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.

A young alligator by the water in Florida. Alligators vastly outnumber crocodiles in the US. As well as forming a bigger population, they also inhabit a much wider geographical area, with crocodiles only present the southern tip of the state. | Source

3. Habitat: Freshwater or Saltwater?

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.

Notice that the snout of this adult crocodile looks pointed and some of the teeth on the lower jaw are clearly visible, in spite of the mouth being closed. | Source

4. They Have Different Teeth

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.

Here's a close-up of the crocodile's teeth with its mouth shut. | Source

5. Which Are Bigger: Alligators or Crocodiles?

An adult crocodile can grow up to roughly 19 feet long, whereas for alligators, the maximum length is around 14 feet.

An alligator in Florida: Notice that the hide is a very dark gray color. The color of a gator's hide varies according to the water it swims in. Algae makes them greener, and tannic acid from the overhanging trees makes them darker. | Source

6. Color Differences

Crocodile hides tend to be more of a light tan or olive color, whereas 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, algae will make them greener).

A young alligator basking. As they get older, their hides gradually lose their stripey pattern and become darker. | Source

7. Which Runs and Swims Faster: An Alligator or a Crocodile?

On Land: Both can can move quickly on land, but only for short distances. They can both "gallop" or "sprint" but only do it when threatened, and not for long. A crocodile might reach almost 9 mph (14kph), while an alligator might reach a maximum speed of about 11 mph (18 kph).

In Water: 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).

Did you know?

Fatalities from alligator attacks in the US are actually very rare. The average annual fatality rate for death by alligator in the US is actually only 0.3. That means on average, one person dies every three years. That's a very low figure when you consider how many people and alligators there are in southeastern US. 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.

8. Which Is More Aggressive: An Alligator or a Crocodile?

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 US, you are more likely to be attacked by an alligator than a crocodile, although attacks by either are very rare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are alligators and crocodiles the same species?

Crocodilia is an order of large, semiaquatic, predatory reptiles that includes alligators, caimans, gharai, and crocodiles. These are all known as "crocodilians," but only some are true crocodiles, and they're not related closely enough to interbreed.

Alligator vs. Crocodile: Which is stronger? If they fought, who would win?

Crocodiles can grow bigger than gators, and their bites can be more lethal.

Crocodiles might win for bite strength alone. The strongest have a bite pressure that measures 3,700 pounds per square inch, while the strongest alligators' bites are about 2,900.

In terms of size, crocodiles win again. The biggest recorded croc was about 2,000 pounds and over 23 feet long, while the largest recorded gator was about 1,000 pounds and 19 feet long.

Lastly, in terms of aggression, crocodiles would still win, as they are much more aggressive and likely to attack, even if unprovoked.

Which are more dangerous to humans?

According to CrocBITE, a database that keeps track of crocodilian attacks worldwide, the Nile crocodile is the one humans should be the most afraid of. Since the year 2000, there have been 33 human fatalities caused by American gators and crocodiles combined compared to 268 caused by Nile crocodiles alone.

Questions & Answers

Question:
What type of alligator is in Gatorade?
Answer:
Gatorade was developed at the...
Helpful 530
Question:
Do alligators and crocodiles have tongues, and if they do, are there any differences in them?
Answer:
Both alligators and...
Helpful 199
Question:
Can alligators and crocodiles mate?
Answer:
No, they can't. Although they look similar, they are genetically too far apart. Although related, they split into separate genera a long time ago.
Helpful 102
Question:
I have heard about alligators surviving in frozen lakes in winter. Is that also possible for crocodiles?
Answer:
Crocodiles are less able to survive in colder climates where water freezes, which is one reason they are much less common than alligators in the southeastern USA and are only found at the southernmost tip of Florida. They also tend to live in salt or brackish water - which is much less likely to freeze - especially in the subtropical and tropical climes where they usually live.
Helpful 35
Question:
Why do alligators swim away when humans approach?
Answer:
Wild alligators have a natural fear of humans and will usually attempt to escape if approached. Alligators can lose their built-in fear if they become used to humans, however, which is why you should never feed wild alligators.
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Question:
Would a crocodile attack an alligator?
Answer:
Attacks are possible if the crocodile believes that its young or itself are being threatened, but the chances of it happening are likely rarer than you think. One reason being that crocodiles and alligators rarely encounter each other in the wild, as they only live together in southern Florida. The Florida alligators live in freshwater and occasionally brackish water, generally rivers, lakes, and swampy areas. Crocodiles like saltwater and brackish areas and can usually be found near the Florida coast. Unlike Australian and Nile crocodiles, the Florida crocodiles are fairly small and shy.
Helpful 3
Question:
Do all American alligators have the same dark blackish color?
Answer:
No, adult American alligators can be brown, olive, grey, or virtually black and their undersides are creamy. Their color is influenced by their habitat.
Helpful 3
Question:
Are alligators big?
Answer:
An adult male American alligator typically measures somewhere between 11 and 15 ft (3.4 and 4.6 m) in length, and weigh up to 1,000 lb (453 kg). Females alligators are smaller, and usually range between 8.5 and 9.8 ft, or (2.6 and 3 m) in length.
Helpful 3
Question:
Can an alligator and a crocodile have kids together?
Answer:
No, because although they might look fairly similar, they belong to separate species (Alligatoroidea and Crocodyloidea). This essentially means that they are too different genetically to produce children. So don't expect to see any "crocogators" soon!
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Question:
Are caimans a species of alligator or they are a different species?
Answer:
Alligators and caimans belong to the same family, alligatoridae, and therefore have a lot of similarities, but they are separate species. In total there are 23 crocodilian species.
Helpful 11
Question:
In which climate are crocodiles and alligators most often found?
Answer:
They are most often found in tropical and subtropical climates.
Helpful 11
Question:
Can an alligator kill a crocodile?
Answer:
There is actually only one place in the world where alligators and crocodiles live side by side, that is the southernmost tip of Florida. The two animals don't usually fight, but crocodiles, as a species, are generally more aggressive.
Helpful 11
Question:
Are crocodiles related to alligators?
Answer:
Crocodiles and alligators are both members of the order Crocodilia, which also includes caiman.
Helpful 10
Question:
What do you know about saltwater crocodiles?
Answer:
This crocodile, also known informally as a "saltie," can be found throughout most of Southeast Asia, as far west as the eastern coast of India, and all the way down to northern Australia. Its scientific name is Crocodylus porosus. It lives in marine environments, as well as brackish waters. Along with the Nile crocodile, it is considered the most aggressive and dangerous type of crocodile.
Helpful 9
Question:
Do crocodile and alligator jaws open in different ways or does the same part of the jaw open?
Answer:
Despite the difference of snout shape, the jaws do open in a similar way. There has been much research into which animal has the most powerful bite. Recent experiments seem to show that it's generally the size of the animal that dictates how strong its bite is, rather than whether it is a crocodile or alligator.
Helpful 8
Question:
Are alligators or crocodiles friendly?
Answer:
No, they are wild animals who generally see humans as a threat.
Helpful 8
Question:
Can an alligator kill a human being?
Answer:
Yes, that can and does happen. They don't often attack humans, however, being instinctively afraid of them, and so fatalities are rare. They are most likely to attack small children who they can mistake for prey.
Helpful 8
Question:
Is "gator" another name for "an alligator"?
Answer:
Yes.
Helpful 6
Question:
What is there for tourists to see and do in the Philippines?
Answer:
The Philippines has a large and growing tourist industry with over 4 million visitors each year. Things to see include natural features, such as volcanoes, underground rivers, coastlines, beaches, and islands. There are some impressive rice terraces dug into mountainsides, as well as beautiful waterfalls. The country is famous for its incredible biodiversity and exotic sea and land life. There are plenty of great diving opportunities and mini-cruises to experience. You will also find many interesting museums, restaurants, street markets, and zoos to visit.
Helpful 5
Question:
Are alligators different from crocodiles?
Answer:
Although alligators and crocodiles can appear similar, they actually belong to separate species (Alligatoroidea and Crocodyloidea). There are a number of differences between them, including the shape of their snout, where they live, habitat, color, and size.
Helpful 5
Question:
Do alligators hunt on land?
Answer:
The preferred method for alligators to catch prey is to ambush animals at the water's edge and drag them into the water. However, adults will sometimes venture up to 170 feet (50 m) from water to look for prey. They will wait by trail sides and then stage an ambush on passing animals.
Helpful 5
Question:
What type of crocodiles are strongest ?
Answer:
The saltwater crocodile is the largest and most aggressive type of crocodile. They are also the largest living reptile. They can be found in southeast Asia and on the northern coast of Australia.
Helpful 4
Question:
It used to be possible to buy cowboy boots made from alligator leather, is this still true?
Answer:
Yes, you can. Alligators were considered endangered at one time, but after their numbers made a dramatic recovery, the species were removed from the endangered species list in 1987. Alligators are now farmed for meat, leather, and other goods.
Helpful 4
Question:
So the creatures in the Amazon River are alligators?
Answer:
There are two species of alligator, and neither live on or near the Amazon River. The most common species live in the southeastern part of the United States. The other species, which are critically endangered, live in eastern China.
Helpful 4
Question:
Can an alligator be careful and calm too?
Answer:
Generally speaking, alligators are timid and afraid of humans. They will spend a lot of the daytime basking in the sun and in the night time they hunt. It's important to remember that they are reptiles and generally aren't as intelligent or emotionally complex as large mammals. They can spend long periods of time not moving, then suddenly burst into action.
Helpful 4
Question:
Why are there no more alligators in Flordia?
Answer:
Although alligators were at one time endangered due to over-hunting, their numbers have increased dramatically in Florida since the 1970's. It's estimated that there are now between 1.3 million and 2 million alligators in the state, which means that there's one gator for every 10-15 Floridians.
Helpful 4
Question:
Do you know the difference between a freshwater crocodile and a saltwater crocodile?
Answer:
These two species live in Australia and are often referred to as "freshies" and "salties" by locals. There are a number of ways to tell them apart. Firstly, the saltwater crocodile is much larger than its freshwater equivalent. Secondly, the snout shape is different, with freshwater crocs having longer, thinner snouts. Thirdly, the freshwater crocodiles have an even jawline with generally smaller teeth, whereas the saltwater has an uneven jawline and the teeth size varies, with some teeth much bigger than others. Both crocodiles are potentially dangerous to humans, but saltwater crocs are especially aggressive.
Helpful 4
Question:
Which has the stronger bite; an alligator or a crocodile?
Answer:
There have been a number of studies on this, and there is no total agreement. Part of the problem is that there are different ways to measure bite strength. Currently, the general opinion is that the size of the animal is the deciding factor, regardless of whether it is an alligator or crocodile. The bigger crocodile species will therefore tend to have stronger bites than alligators, but it depends on the relative sizes of the actual animals being compared.
Helpful 3
Question:
Between an alligator and a crocodile of the same size, whose bite is stronger?
Answer:
Studies vary in their conclusions. Part of the problem is that there is no single accepted method for measuring bite power. It's likely that the alligator snout shape and bite is geared more towards cracking open turtle shells, which are a feature of their diet, so it wouldn't be surprising if they have a stronger bite, but this has never been conclusively proved.
Helpful 3
Question:
Are American alligators protected?
Answer:
Alligators were put the endangered species list and protected in the 60's and 70's, but taken off the list in 1987 after numbers were deemed to have recovered.
Helpful 3
Question:
Are alligators a type of crocodile?
Answer:
No, they are members of the order Crocodilia, which includes alligators, crocodiles, and caiman, but they are not a true crocodile.
Helpful 2
Question:
Who would win in a fight between an alligator or crocodile?
Answer:
The two reptiles are pretty evenly matched so the bigger one of the two would have the advantage. Alligators and crocodiles don't meet that often in the wild, however, as they only coexist in a small area at the southernmost tip of Florida, USA.
Helpful 2
Question:
Are alligators more aggressive than crocodiles?
Answer:
Alligators are less aggressive than most species of crocodile, certainly towards humans.
Helpful 1

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Comments

Rosemary Mcgrory
5 weeks ago
Do crocs and alligators kill the same way ?
Kierstin Gunsberg
7 weeks ago from Traverse City, Michigan
Paul, I’m trying to put my daughter to bed when she starts asking he difference between crocs and gators - of course I had to look it up for her before she fell asleep and your article was one of the first results and definitely the BEST. Great, informative article!
Dickson, from Nigeria.
2 months ago
I don't agree with the claim that alligators are only found in us and in China, there are alligators in Nigeria, I don't know of every place but in my area we have alligator, though not commonly seen as the crocodiles.
kalegang
3 months ago
commenting about Athena
its because the everglades has brackish water
athena
4 months ago
Thank you very much. I now know the difference between crocodiles and alligators, but I have a doubt. I tis clear to me that crocodiles and alligators live in different places around the world but, why can there be crocodiles and alligators in the same place: The Everglades.
Devin
4 months ago
I found this article very interesting. I now know the differences between crocodiles and alligators.
Arn Scott
4 months ago
Any crocs in New Zealand?
CROCODILES!
5 months ago
Q: What's the similarity between a Crocodile and Windows? A: Neither of them has enough bytes!
that was by animaljokes.com. ANYWHO... CROCODILES ARE AWESOME!
trolololol
5 months ago
very very fun to read
John
5 months ago
In terms of cowboy boots, does alligator or caiman leather hold up better than cow leather?
kyle
6 months ago
Can an alligator and a crocodile breed to make a "crocogator"? I mean, ligers and zonkeys are a thing so maybe?
james
6 months ago
How long do they live and how can you tell their approximate age. What are the differences between the male and female alligators and how does one determine whether it is a male or female ? How often does a female give birth and how many babies do they have on average. Are there more males than females or vice versa for the alligators and the crocodiles? Which species is hunted for its meat and by whom? Do people consider them a tasty treat. What part of this reptile is eaten if any? Are any of them poisonous and if you were bitten by one would you need to get an immediate vaccine like you would for a rattlesnake for example?
couldbecarson
9 months ago
thanks guys!
Just a fun reader
9 months ago
Thanks my bro had a project I helped him with
Ziyena Brazos
10 months ago from Somewhere in Time ...
My nightmare. Ugh ... Nile Crocodile Hmmm
So much for that river trip. Great Hub.
Elegbede ayodeji
12 months ago
it was a good idea
yeah right
13 months ago
Thank you so much u helped with a merit badge in boy scouts I loved your article!
tersoo nguher
13 months ago
it makes scense
croclover101
15 months ago
gee whiz thx so much that was gr8
indio and cheyenne
15 months ago
that is very interesting very helpful
nice
09871234563
15 months ago
very useful
Meghan Androsuk
15 months ago
Steve Irwin was the best croc hunter !
Ottoman
15 months ago
its so helpful, thanks a lot.
The Famous OA
15 months ago
Wow. I never knew that there was a difference! So cool!
123456789
15 months ago
this was so useful thank u so much
Jahzara
16 months ago
This was nice
julian
16 months ago
thanks alot.
Australian Hunta Mate'
16 months ago
I have seen every species of croc. You got the green ones, the ones who try to go for ya package, the fiesty ones, and you can't forget the momma crocs. Each one is pretty dangerous mate'. I can't believe anyone could not see the difference between a mean ol croc and an alligator mate'. It's plain out silly. I have seen everything in the outback. The old alligators are nothin' but little lizards to me mate'.
bill
16 months ago
thxs this has helped me understand
cool dude
17 months ago
cool information
Hadlie Baxter
17 months ago
thx so much
jeffy
17 months ago
this has helped
blup
17 months ago
ok now i know what the differences are thxs
tori lewis
17 months ago
thxs this helped me
Charley
17 months ago
Thanks for the awesome info
lebron james
17 months ago
this has been the best teaching ever thank you
AUTHOR
Paul Goodman
18 months ago from Florida USA
Habitat is Number 3.
jarvis
18 months ago
you missed out the habitat section which was supposed to be No. 2
Me
18 months ago
THANK YOU!!! Makes homework so much easier.
Aareev
18 months ago
Thanks you helped me on my english project.
entiy303/herobrien
19 months ago
thanks for your help!
James
19 months ago
Thanks helped me on my essay!
Benjamin Lynn
19 months ago
THIS WAS SO USEFUL THANK YOU
Tala
19 months ago
It is really helpful ! Thx
merl
19 months ago
yes got it, thanks
Croc Expert
20 months ago
The author left out the most important distinction: if he'll see you later, then its an alligator. If it's after a while, then it's a crocodile. :)
Makenzie
20 months ago
this sit is amazing!
Elainel Morel
20 months ago
Thanks for the information
Angel
20 months ago
IT HELPED me a lot in my studies !!!!!!!!!!!
Mahdes
20 months ago
HI
I give thanks for this helpful article. the next 2 days i'm going to give a presentation to my ecology teacher and guess what's the topic? differences between alligators and crocodiles!
Jonathan Schweitzer
21 months ago
A croc swam from Dania Beach(FL) over to Hollywood Beach(FL) before being retrieved by Fish&Game on 11/20/2017.
Ethan
21 months ago
Helped while doing venn giagram
Jacob
21 months ago
Helped me a lot with my speech for school, thank you!
Megan
21 months ago
Those were some snazzy turtles
Babar Dharani
21 months ago
Great write-up! Thank you
Shubhadeep Roy
21 months ago
I love crocodiles
abbi
22 months ago
It is a wonderful website which teaches us about animals.I'm proud of this website
Mike
22 months ago
Not sure what metric you are using for comparison but as far as pure strength is concerned, Crocs have a stronger bite than gators--as long as you are comparing similar size specimens. A gator does have a bigger mouth (which is one reason they have less bite pressure--the force is spread over a larger area) so may be fair to say they have a more devastating bite overall. Also, croc jaw muscles are about 1/3 larger (again, this is for similar sized specimens). Crocs win the bite force comparison by a factor of about 2.
Jose
23 months ago
Used this to do a speech in my college class, was very helpful thanks dude
Daryl
23 months ago
Alligators are fast, got chased by one while on bike. I was able to pull away, alligator then gave up, went back in woods.
Barkat Ali Swati
24 months ago
It's really good. I 've some doubts about them that were cleared now. Thanks
Ahmed Shareef
2 years ago
Thanks for this information because I really need this information for my studies
Steve
2 years ago
I live in Zimbabwe. We have Lake Kariba which is a fresh water lake. There are millions of crocodiles there. There used to only be 1 per square metre. Now there's like 10 per square metre in a Lake that is 223km x 40km (22300m x 4000m)
Peter
2 years ago
That was very informative! Thanks.
See a pointy nose and teeth...get gone!
Snapdragon 3
2 years ago
I've seen on other videos that another differences is how they open the jaws to caught prey. One open the upper jaw while the other open the lower jaw. Is this true and which is which?
Agnieska
2 years ago
My 5 years old daughter easy spots differences :) and im wondering where did she learn that if she didn't start school yet. Today in another Zoo again she didn't miss and I wanted to cry beeing such stupud - thx for the lecture!
Julia
2 years ago
I was left a little confused. The article seems to contradict itself several times, sometimes within one sentence.
Mike baker
2 years ago
I love crocodile meat
bob smith
2 years ago
it helped me alot
Seleena
2 years ago
these are really interesting facts but very dangerous.
unknow
2 years ago
do you know anyone that has been attacked by either one
Laetitea Halin
2 years ago from Estoril / Metz
Here we have a good explanation. In fact, many people confuse crocodiles, alligators and caimans.
peachy
4 years ago from Home Sweet Home
thanks for telling us the differences. Alligators are not so wild as crocs
Tom Mukasa
5 years ago from Lives in USA
Thanks. I do admire those who came before us and who without technology such as night vision video recorders, nor cameras nor guns were able to observe animals as they grazed, fed and protected their young. Thanks once again for throwing more light on the Alligator and Crocodile. I wonder which of the two would sleep with mouth open without fear of its tongue being a meal for another? These are two animals that terrorize others in the waters!
Rebecca E.
5 years ago from Canada
well can't say i didn't learn anything here. All the more reason to avoid an alligator.
Jackson
6 years ago
thanks people, im doing a report and this was far better then any other website
Howard
6 years ago
This made my homework way easier
keldrick
6 years ago
crocodilias are cool
Rikki Lowe
7 years ago
Thanks for the information! You helped me a lot!!! :)
bla
7 years ago
it helps
CoryMladen
8 years ago
For me both are charming, well I won't dare to get closer to them :)
AUTHOR
Paul Goodman
8 years ago from Florida USA
Alligators are actually pretty timid and will try to run/swim away if approached. I think it's still best to be wary of them, as they have a bonecrushing bite! :-)
MsQuestion
8 years ago from New Jersey
Okay! I always wondered what the difference was! If I see either one,though, I'm running away! (Although here in New York..probably NOT going to happen).
klarawieck
8 years ago
Great hub! I love watching them in the Everglades, which is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist.
Now about the turtles... true those alligators can crush their shells, but they surely like to surf and sunbathe on top of those sleeping logs!
AUTHOR
Paul Goodman
8 years ago from Florida USA
Thank you for pointing out the video problem, Will. I have now replaced it! :-)
Will Apse
8 years ago
Your second vid comes up as 'private' which is a shame- the first one was great.
I enjoyed the rest of the page, too.
AUTHOR
Paul Goodman
8 years ago from Florida USA
Thank you very much for your kind words and the podcast feature, Simone. I am honored by your interest in my work! :-)
Simone Haruko Smith
8 years ago from San Francisco
Heya PaulGoodman67! I just wanted to say that the HP Staff and I loved this post so much, we featured it in a podcast to discuss it and introduce it to more people! You can find the podcast here: http://blog.hubpages.com/2011/04/alligators-vs-cro...
Props on the fantastic Hub!
theherbivorehippi
8 years ago from Holly, MI
Well this clears up any confusion! Thanks...such fascinating creatures (both of them)!
GPSWorldTraveler
8 years ago from Washington State, USA
Amazing creatures, thanks for the clarification... still probably would run like the dickens if I saw one meandering down the road :)
AUTHOR
Paul Goodman
8 years ago from Florida USA
Thank you for your kind words, Shai.
Chen
8 years ago
You have wonderful and interesting Hubs.
Loved it!!!
AUTHOR
Paul Goodman
8 years ago from Florida USA
Well, I certainly wouldn't advise cuddling one of them, that's for sure! :-)
networkandy
8 years ago from Connecticut
wither way they both scary animals lol

working

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The 8 Main Differences Between Alligators and Crocodiles

So What's the Difference Between Alligators and Crocodiles?

8 ways to tell alligators and crocodiles apart:

1. Alligators and Crocodiles Have Different Snouts

2. Where Do Alligators and Crocodiles Live?

3. Habitat: Freshwater or Saltwater?

4. They Have Different Teeth

5. Which Are Bigger: Alligators or Crocodiles?

6. Color Differences

7. Which Runs and Swims Faster: An Alligator or a Crocodile?

Did you know?

8. Which Is More Aggressive: An Alligator or a Crocodile?

Frequently Asked Questions

Are alligators and crocodiles the same species?

Alligator vs. Crocodile: Which is stronger? If they fought, who would win?

Which are more dangerous to humans?

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The 8 Main Differences Between Alligators and Crocodiles

So What's the Difference Between Alligators and Crocodiles?

8 ways to tell alligators and crocodiles apart:

1. Alligators and Crocodiles Have Different Snouts

2. Where Do Alligators and Crocodiles Live?

3. Habitat: Freshwater or Saltwater?

4. They Have Different Teeth

5. Which Are Bigger: Alligators or Crocodiles?

6. Color Differences

7. Which Runs and Swims Faster: An Alligator or a Crocodile?

Did you know?

8. Which Is More Aggressive: An Alligator or a Crocodile?

Frequently Asked Questions

Are alligators and crocodiles the same species?

Alligator vs. Crocodile: Which is stronger? If they fought, who would win?

Which are more dangerous to humans?

Questions & Answers

Related

Popular

Comments

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This website uses cookies