Album: American Alligator

Everglades National Park

The American alligator is a keystone species in Everglades National Park. Those who love the sight of wading birds, or enjoy fishing for bass in the Everglades, owe a debt of gratitude to the alligator. The American alligator of the southeastern United States and the smaller Chinese alligator are the only two types of alligators in the world. The largest American alligators ever known were about 17 feet long, and there is a dubious record of 19 feet 2 inches. An adult human is too large to be of interest to an alligator, but precautions should be taken, nonetheless.