What's the difference between alligators and crocodiles?
People use the terms “alligator” and “crocodile” interchangeably as if they’re the same thing with different words, but the difference between alligators and crocodiles is quite huge.
Everyone knows that alligators and crocodiles look similar, but their subtle differences can trip up even the most observant of visitors to the swamp.
What Do They Look Like?
The easiest way to tell an alligator apart from a crocodile is by looking at their snouts. Alligators have wider, rounder snouts while crocodiles have longer, narrower snouts.
Another difference between these two reptiles is the color of their skin. Alligators usually have darker skin than crocodiles and will often appear black or dark green in color. Crocodiles' skin tends to be lighter in color and may even appear yellowish-green or gray in certain lighting.
Alligators have a more "U"-shaped jawline than crocs and typically have darker skin with a few distinct patterns of spots or stripes - making them easier to pick out in a crowd. Oh, and did you know that when alligators open their mighty maws only their upper teeth are visible?
Where Do They Live?
Alligators are found mainly in the United States, including parts of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi and Florida.
Crocodiles can be found throughout Africa, Asia and Australia as well as in the southeastern United States (though they are much rarer here).
It's important to note that alligators and crocodiles will rarely cross paths due to their geographic differences; if you spot one of these reptiles in the wild it's highly likely that it's either an alligator or a crocodile (but not both!).
