The Apex of the Sunshine State’s Native Wildlife

The warming weather and lengthening days of late winter/early spring instigate a variety of events, both natural and otherwise.

The frenetic spring break traffic heading to sunny coastal spots is one example of “otherwise”. The emergence of dormant plants can be credited to the natural cycle, and local reptiles are more active, too.

In addition to local snakes, most of which are harmless, the alligator population is on the move.

Florida has two native species of crocodilians, the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). Fortunately, only the less aggressive alligator is found in panhandle Florida.

Occasionally alligators can be found in brackish waters, like this four-footer in St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. They must enjoy seafood too.

The American alligator once occupied almost all wetland habitats along the gulf coast and on the Atlantic side up to North Carolina. From freshwater marshes and swamps to mangrove estuaries, alligators were present.

The family Alligatoridae, which is distinct from crocodiles, is thought to have first appeared about 37 million years ago. The fossil records indicate crocodiles have existed since the late Cretaceous period 84 million years ago during the last days of dinosaurs.

Today there are only two species of alligator in the world, the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and the Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) which is in danger of becoming extinct.

The name “alligator” originated with the Spanish explorers who identified this reptile as “el lagarto”, literally the lizard. This eventually changed into “aligarto” and then “alligator” by English speaking settlers which arrived later.

The family Alligatoridae includes five species of caimans, which are native to Central and South America. Spectacled caimans, which are smaller than the American alligator, have become established in some parts of south Florida, presumably from people releasing pets into the wild.

Alligators prefer freshwater, rarely being found in brackish sources. Crocodiles in this hemisphere occur almost exclusively in the marine and brackish coastal waters of extreme southern Florida.

Alligators primarily hunt at dusk or during the night, taking advantage of reduced visibility and their natural camouflage. These ambush predators lay motionless in wait for prey to wander within easy grabbing range.

Their prey selection is determined primarily by the size of the target species relative to the gator, and the determination of this reptile.

Also, an alligator’s diet depends on what is available, and it will eat anything digestible including fish, frogs, birds, turtles, insects, snakes, small mammals, white-tailed deer, wild hogs, domestic animals including pets, and other alligators. There is no professional courtesy with this species.

Once the prey is caught, it is typically swallowed whole or ripped into chunks. The gator’s teeth are designed for gripping, but not chewing.

Alligators have exceptionally powerful jaws which can crush turtle shells and the bones of small mammals. A flap in their throat allows this reptile to capture prey while submerged without water entering the breathing passages.

The alligator will stash its kill underwater when prey animals are too large to be eaten in entirety. The unfortunate creature will be pinned under a submerged log or anywhere it can be wedged in for safe keeping until ready for consumption.

Alligators are generally timid towards humans and tend to retreat if approached. However, if a gator becomes accustomed to humans in its environment, a serious problem can result.

Recent incidents in south and central Florida golf courses highlight this danger.

Alligators have been the subject of numerous urban legends including a hyper-aggressive population in the New York City sewers. It is true baby gators were sold to tourists in previous decades, but the wild population is located only in warmer latitudes.

So even though the winter visitors are returning north, the gators are here to stay. They too enjoy area water resources in the hot, humid days to come.