Alligator Facts

- There are only two countries on earth that have alligators: the United States and China.

- Alligators can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, for a short distance.

- Alligators swallow their food whole. They have conical teeth, used for grabbing and holding, not for cutting.

- An alligator’s snout is shorter, wider and rounder than a crocodile’s.

- Alligators have U-shaped heads, while crocodiles are V-shaped.

- An alligator's lifespan is estimated in the range of 50 years or more.

- Alligators do not sweat.

- Alligators have a transparent third eyelid which gives underwater protection.

- The eyes of a large alligator will glow red in the dark.

- Young alligators can replace teeth every year or so.