Several Differences Between Crocodiles and Alligators
Misty Knapp
Copywriter|Freelance Writer|Blogger and Article Writer|Researcher|Follower of Jesus
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Have you ever looked at pictures or seen a crocodile or an alligator in person and gotten them confused? You’re not the only one! Here is an easier way to tell them apart: by their size, coloring, different shape heads, and snouts.
When looking at them, alligators can be described as black, and gray, and has a “u” shape snout (giving their heads a more rounded shape). They are smaller in size and more timid or shy but that doesn’t mean they’re not dangerous!
Crocodiles (or crocs) are described as being aggressive and are larger than their counterparts. Their color can be described as green or brown with a “v” shape snout (giving their heads a longer or elongated shape).
When it comes to size, crocodiles are bigger than their counterpart, alligators. They have been measuring anywhere from 10-20 feet long and weighing anywhere from 300-2000 pounds. The alligators, on the other hand, range in size from anywhere from 8.2 feet to 11.2 feet long (a bit on the smaller size) and weigh anywhere from 400-800 pounds.
One last difference in being able to tell them apart is the shape of the jaws and teeth. An alligator has a wide upper jaw that covers the lower teeth while crocodiles have jaws that are both the same size jaws and teeth that fit together.
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Living differences or where you’re likely to find an alligator would be in the southern part of the United States and in China (known as the Chinese alligator). They prefer to live in freshwater, which can be found in places such as marshes, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Crocodiles, on the other hand, can tolerate salt water, which allows them to live over a wild range such as in Southern Florida (the only place where you can find both crocs and alligators), Central America, Egypt, and 25 other countries in Africa (making them known as the Nile crocodiles), Asia, Oceana, and South America.
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A crocodile has been said to be the meanest of the two and more likely to kill its prey quicker than an alligator. One last thing if you see either in the wild, they are not to be approached or teased as they are dangerous and will likely attack as run away. Always keep a watch on your children and small dogs!