Alligator Fun Facts

The Everglades is Florida’s most treasured gem. And many people of all ages visit our park after learning fun facts about alligators, so they are interested is seeing gators in their natural habitat. This 1.5-million-acre wetland preserve is famous for its abundant wildlife, winding waterways, and diverse ecosystems – which is why so many people love embarking on our airboat tours at Everglades Holiday Park.

On your tour, you’ll have the opportunity to cruise through the waterways and learn all about the various life forms that work in harmony to keep the Everglades healthy and thriving. Don’t be surprised if you hear a big splash in the water from time to time – it might just be an American Alligator diving in the water to cool off.

Those visiting Everglades Holiday Park might be interested in learning fun facts about alligators, which you’re likely to see sunbathing or silently stalking their prey. Florida natives know alligators are everywhere, but visitors to the Everglades might be shocked to see these awe-inspiring reptiles in their natural habitat. Before you embark on your airboat ride, check out these alligator fun facts:

• Alligators cannot digest salt, therefore they can only live in fresh water environments, like ponds, marshes, wetlands, and swamps.
• Male alligators can grow up to 15 feet, and female alligators can grow up to 9 feet.
• There are an estimated 1.25 million alligators in the state of Florida alone, and an estimated 200,000 in the Everglades.
• Alligators are territorial, and will fight other alligators to defend their young.
• Alligators are traditionally solitary reptiles. Larger male gators are almost exclusively solitary, but smaller alligators are often found in greater numbers because they have a higher tolerance for other alligators.
• During April, May, and June you might be able to spot larger gators in groups for mating purposes. During this time, alligators will lay between 30-40 eggs that will incubate for 60-65 days.
• Alligators prey primarily on fish, but they aren’t picky eaters. They’ll also eat amphibians, birds, snakes, turtles, and small mammals. If the opportunity presents itself an alligator is likely to go after a large mammal as well, including deer, sheep, cows, and boars.
• Alligator jaws can exert up to 1,000 pounds of pressure. This is one of those very popular fun facts about alligators
• Alligators typically live between 30 to 35 years in the wild, and approximately 50 in captivity.
• Alligators are considered a “keystone” to their environment, meaning they are essential to the health of the ecosystem they inhabit.
• Alligators enjoy warm water and warm weather. They are often found lying in the sun, and will cool themselves off by opening their mouths to release stored heat.

Through joint conservation efforts throughout Florida, the American Alligator has been removed from the endangered list. For those hoping to catch a glimpse of these exotic reptiles, Everglades Holiday Park is the place to go to fun facts about alligators. Our park offers private, group, and VIP Everglades airboat rides. Each tour is 1 hour in length, and narrated by our Everglades experts.