|
 |
          |
 |
 |
Summer 2004 FEATURED SPECIES: AlligatorThe American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, is the largest reptile found in Mississippi. The alligator belongs to the crocodile family and is one of the last surviving members of the dinosaur era. Alligators are found throughout the southern two-thirds of Mississippi’s many rivers, creeks, swamps and oxbow lakes. The alligator can be identified by its' large rough back and long, broad snout which is rounded in the front. Adult alligators are generally black in color and range from 6 to 12 feet in length. The only noticeable difference between adult males and females is size. Adult females will only grow to a length of 6 or 7 feet. Immature alligators may be distinguished by their size and they will also have yellowish markings. The alligator is a reptile; therefore it is a cold-blooded animal. The body temperature of the alligator is directly influenced by the outside temperature which surrounds it. During the winter alligators will seek dens where they will become inactive for a time, much like the hibernation of black bears in the northern United States. The dens are dug under banks and they usually have underwater entrances.  The alligator thrives in warm weather situations. During warm weather, alligators can often be seen basking in the sun. But alligators cannot tolerate long, direct exposure to the sun during extremely high temperatures. When temperatures become extreme, alligators will seek shaded areas or will remain submerged for extended periods. During these periods of hot weather, alligators are mostly active at night when feeding and during the early morning and late afternoon periods. A mature alligator’s diet consists of most anything of a suitable size that it can catch. Mammals, turtles, birds, snakes and rough fish make up the bulk of their diet. Young alligators will feed on crawfish, small birds and small fish. Hatchling alligators feed on small insects and small vertebrates such as minnows and frogs. Adult alligators reach sexual maturity at the age of 6 to 7 years. The nesting season begins around late spring or early summer. During this time the female will use grass and other vegetation to build a nest mound which may be over 2 feet in height and 6 feet across. Once the nest is completed, the female will lay 35 to 40 eggs on top of the nest and then cover the eggs using loose soil and vegetation. The nest becomes a self-incubator because the decomposing nest material produces heat. During the incubation period, which lasts about 65 days, the female will stay around the nest to protect the eggs from predators such as skunks and raccoons. When the eggs are ready to hatch, the female will aid in the process by pushing the nest material aside and in many cases she will crack the eggs open with her mouth. Once the eggs have hatched, the female will take the 7 inch hatchlings into her mouth and carry them to water. In Mississippi, alligators are protected by state and federal endangered species laws. Fines for illegal activities involving alligators may reach up to $10,000.00. This article was written by Rob Ballinger, a Certified Wildlife Biologist with the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
|
 |
|
| . |  |
. |  |
. |
|
©
Copyright 2003 Wildlife Mississippi
Web Development by TecInfo ® |
