Name: American Crocodile

Description: Alligators are often called living fossils. This is because they have looked the same way for nearly200 million years. You can tell a crocodile from an alligator by looking at the lower teeth. When an alligator's mouth is closed none of its teeth are visible. When a crocodile closes its mouth you can see the 4^th tooth from the front of the jaw on both sides. Crocodiles have a narrow snout and are not as darkly colored as alligators.

Length: 12-15 feet

Where it lives: Crocodiles live in swampy and watery areas. They live in warm places. American Crocodile live mostly in Florida.

The American Crocodile live alone.

Reproduction: Young Crocodiles are not mature until they are 2. Only small portions of the Crocodiles live this long.

Threats: The American Crocodile is threatened by habitat destruction and it is illegally hunted for its hide.