Alligators and crocodiles are some of the most aggressive creatures on the planet – they’ll take down a boat if you come up to their nest. ~ Jack Hanna
I have no reason to doubt Mr. Hanna, nor any reason to approach any of their nests. But let’s suspend reality for a few minutes and ask ourselves a question. Is the above image a crocodile or an alligator? Most of us will never see one up close, but if we were to, shouldn’t we know what kind of critter might put us on their lunch menu? What’s the difference between the two reptiles?
Before We Consider Distinguishing Features - Location
Discounting zoos with reptile houses, also known as herpetariums, very few people in this country have easy access to reptiles with teeth. Well, not the kind of reptiles that weigh two hundred pounds or more, but it isn’t that they’re rare. As far east and north as North Carolina and as far west and south as Texas, you might find alligator breeding grounds, should you be inclined to pursue that type of wildlife. I know precisely one person I’d expect to seek that experience. Moving on to crocs.
According to the Everglades Foundation, and that organization should know, crocodiles are found almost exclusively in southern Florida. They prefer saltwater and swamps to freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers. Fortunately, they are suited to those environments, since their salt glands allow them to tolerate higher salt intake than alligators’ glands do, per sciencedirect.com. While sightings occur in other states, those are likely due to crocs being dropped off outside of Florida. They are unlikely to establish breeding grounds outside an ecosystem similar to the one in which they were born. The same is true of other reptiles, such as snakes. If the habitat won’t support them, they won’t multiply.
Obvious Features That Reveal Identity
When you do see them, it will be useful to know what you’re looking at. Crocs and alligators look similar at a distance, but they do have distinguishing characteristics. Physical differences include:
- Snout – Crocs approach with a narrow schnoz; alligators are U-shaped on the front end. (Everglades Foundation)
- Teeth – Crocs reveal both their upper and lower teeth with a closed mouth; alligators only show top teeth until they open wide. (Everglades Foundation)
- Crocs have separated toes, but alligators’ toes are webbed. (Everglades Foundation)
- Adult crocodiles can reach significantly larger lengths and weights than alligators – almost double, at over 20′ and some weighing in at over 2000 lbs. (Paso Pacifico)
- Coloring is different as well. Alligators are likely very dark gray or black, but crocs may have green or tan tones. (Britannica)
What to Expect When It's "Later" or "After While"
All things being equal, you’re better off around alligators. According to the Everglades Foundation, as well as other sources, alligators are less aggressive than crocodiles. The latter may well consider anything in the water or within five feet of the bank as snack-worthy. The Nile and saltwater species (which live in other countries) are much more aggressive than American crocodiles, so we have few injuries and deaths on their account.
Nonetheless, with either creature, caution is advisable. An alligator’s bite force is 2125 PSI, and a crocodile’s is 3700. Compare that to humans’ at 120. No competition. Also, alligators can reach 20 MPH, and some crocodiles can move even faster. No, they can’t maintain a high speed, but we can’t either – not that fast. I’m assuming Usain Bolt isn’t reading this piece, and likely he’s one of the few who could manage that an extended run at speed.
Humans can achieve a high level of confidence when they’ve enjoyed financial success, experienced foreign travel, and have expertise in their chosen field. What they may forget—to their detriment—is that wild beasts always understand the rules of their world better than any human ever will. And their single-mindedness–survival–outweighs our book-learning every day of the week.
