American Alligator
The American Alligator with its armor like scales and sword like teeth is the "Knight of the Swamp". The alligator's domain ranges from Florida west to the Mississippi river and north to the Carolinas. The alligator mainly eats fish, birds and mammals the size of raccoons. However, they have been known to eat larger food like cattle, horses and even other alligators.
Alligators can run as fast as a horse on land. Most alligators dig underwater pits called gaiter holes. These holes provide food for the alligators, but some species of fish and water dwelling insects make their home there, so not only the alligator benefits. The gaiter holes also provide the only water source during dry spells and droughts. Farmers in 1967 used gaiter holes to let their cattle drink out of. You may not realize it but alligators hibernate during the winter. When alligators dive skin flaps cover its throat, ears and nose. A translucent eyelid covers the eye like goggles protect our eyes.
The alligator became endangered when humans started draining the swamps in the southeastern states. But the real trouble started when alligator skin products went on the market. Between 1930 and 1940 1 million alligators were killed in Florida alone. The government helped by making the killing of alligators illegal. The government helped again when they made the Florida Everglades and Georgia's Oekefenoke swamp national parks for all to enjoy. Thanks to the help of the government and nature groups, the alligator is only threatened, not endangered. If we keep helping the alligator, this amazing creature will be around for future generations to admire, respect and enjoy.