Learn
and see more about
these
prehistoric predators!
Did
you know that Florida has both crocodiles
and alligators - but crocodiles live in salt water and
alligators live in fresh water, like the Everglades!
Breeding season begins in April for alligators. Females will lay an average
of 40 - 45 eggs at a time. The incubation period is 65 days. Then around
August - September, the baby alligators will hatch - they are usually
3-6 inches long at birth. If you look closely at the nest in the bottom
picture, you will see a nest of dark and yellow-striped,very recently
hatched baby gators. Alligators are protected
by both state and federal regulations. It is illegal to hunt or trap a
wild alligator without a permit. The best way to "shoot" a gator
is with a camera!
Gators
can grow a record 19 feet 2 inches and weigh up to 1,000 lbs. Wild alligators
have a typical life span of 35 - 50 years. In captivity, they have been
known to live to 60 - 80 years old!
Coopertown's
Alligator Exhibit gives you a chance to take a closer look at these fascinating
creatures featuring a 14 foot alligator. Coopertown's airboat tours let
you see how alligators live in their natural habitat of the Florida Everglades.
Alligators
have not changed in 65 million years - they are present-day relatives
of the dinosaurs. Our experienced "alligator" guides will show
you what a truly special creature the gator really is.
And remember,
GO GATORS! |