Alligators: Fun Facts

These toothy reptiles rule the swamp lands in Florida and along the Gulf Coast of the United States. I knew little about alligators before I moved to Florida. Now I have quite a bit of respect for the creatures. Actually alligators are pretty fascinating. Here's what I've learned from seven years of observing alligators in my backyard.

I've collected some fun facts about alligators for you to enjoy. Some information I've observed myself and other alligator facts are from nature sites. I've added lots of cute alligator graphics. If you see one you like, just click on it and it takes you to Zazzle where you can buy the alligator design on a t-shirt, poster, magnet or other product.

I have another page about baby alligators and one about killer alligators. If you're a big fan of alligators, check them out.

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In February 2015, we visited Gatorland for the third time. I guess you can tell we love alligators. This is a great place to go when you are in the Orlando area.

They had all sizes of the creatures, from tiny babies that were small enough to hold in your hand and up to enormous ones that could probably swallow me in about 3 or 4 gulps. The visitors walk on raised boardwalks and have strong fences protecting them from the wildlife.

We watched the Gator Jumparoo show and later the Gator Wrestling. The fellows that perform in these shows are either pretty brave or just foolhardy. I'm not sure which.

There was an open train that circles the swamp area so you can see the animals in their natural habitat. Birds like egrets, storks and herons enjoyed the swamp life as well.

I took about 200 photos, but will just share a few here.

Places to See Alligators

• Gatorland | Orlando Family Attraction | Adventure Theme Park | Orlando, Florida

  Founded by the late Owen Godwin in 1949, Gatorland is a 110-acre alligator theme park and wildlife preserve, combining Old Florida charm with exciting, new exhibits and entertainment.

• Alligator Adventure | Reptile Capital of the World!

  At Alligator Adventure you'll find yourself face to face with nature's fiercest and most beautiful animals. Located adjacent to Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, one of South Carolina's most outstanding tourist attractions, Alligator Adventure

• Everglades Alligator Farm - Park Info

  Everglades Alligator Farm, one of Homestead's busiest attractions draws tourist and camera crews from all over the world. This privately owned attraction is a real working alligator farm.

• Boggy Creek Airboat Rides

  Search the thrilling swamp for wildlife including the intimidating Florida alligator through the Central Florida Everglades on Coast Guard approved airboat.

• St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park and Crocodile Crossing Zip Line

  Founded in 1893, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm is one of Florida's oldest zoological attractions. For over a century, it has entertained millions of visitors, lured by the awesome presence of captive reptiles.

• gatorcountry365

  Welcome to Gator Rescue, home of alligator rescuer and conservationist, Gary Saurage; Star of CMT's Gator 911 television show. Click on the highlighted dates on the calendar to see what's happening next for Gator Country.

I used to read "Alligators All Around" in storytimes at the library. Kids loved it. Now there are even more stories with alligators in them. Read them all. Alligators just want to have fun.

Some of the stories that were popular were Alligators All Around by Maurice Sendak. It was hugely popular in my preschool storytime at the library. There's another good one called Zack's Alligator. Also, look for There's an Alligator Under My Bed.

You'll find alligator toys to appeal to all age groups. There is even an alligator kite to fly on a windy day. This kind of toy fosters an interest in wildlife and nature.

I've taken quite a few alligator pictures in the eleven years that I've lived in Florida. Here are my tips for getting a good photo.

Be very careful. You don't want to get so involved in getting a photo that you risk getting attacked by an alligator. It's best to have someone keeping an eye on the alligator to warn you if it starts towards you.

Take one photo as soon as you see the alligator. You may not get a second chance as the gator is likely to zip into the water as you approach. Edge a little closer (but still from a distance) and take another.

Once I got a camera with zoom, my pictures of alligators improved and I was much safer while taking them.

• Photographing Alligators - Stock Photography Blog

  Tips for taking photos of alligators.

• Nature Photography - The Alligators of South Texas

  One of the best spots in Texas to photograph the alligators is probably the 2000 hectares Brazos Bend State Park, managed by Texas Parks & Wildlife.

If you see an alligator in a lake near you, give it a name. We call ours Al E. Gator.

There are some great alligator names in children's storybooks too. What would you call your alligator?

I Don't Recommend Having a Pet Alligator, But Here Is More about That

• How to Raise a Baby Alligator | Animals - mom.me - An alligator may seem like an exciting exotic pet to own, but a full-grown alligator is very difficult to care for because of the large size and unpredictable temperament. Alligators are wild...
• How to Legally Own a Pet Alligator | Animals - mom.me - While the prospect of keeping an alligator as a pet may be exciting to some, in the real world, it's a very risky proposition, with many areas prohibiting legal ownership.