Gator Aid

Last week, the elusive Humboldt Park alligator – lovingly nicknamed “Chance the Snapper” – was finally lured back into captivity by the Crocodilian Specialist Services on July 16. It is unclear how the alligator arrived in the Humboldt lagoon, but it inspired a 36-hour vigil of local residents who waited to see the gator emerge. So many people loomed near the lagoon that authorities put up a barrier to protect both the residents and reptile, should it vacate its hiding spot. So what’s the scoop on these snappers? Here are 5 things you might not know about gators:

Alligators are not the same as crocodiles (still don’t smile at them, though)  

In fact, there are several key distinctions between them. First, the shape of their snouts are different. Gators sport a U-shaped mouth, whereas crocs showcase a pointier V-shaped one. Also, alligators are usually grey or black in color (except for the rare albino alligator), whereas crocodiles have greenish skin. And good news for those watching for Chance the Snapper; alligators are normally less aggressive than crocodiles, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

An alligator could make its home in Sunflower Lake

But only technically. Alligators prefer freshwater. However, they normally only live in the southern parts of the United States, from Texas to the Carolinas and south, according to Smithsonian’s National Zoo.

Gators never stop growing, and they have pretty long lifespans

While alligators reach a size of roughly 8 feet and 11 feet long (females and males, respectively) they don’t ever stop growing. This is significant, since gators can live about 50 years. Gators also continue to gain and lose teeth. According to Smithsonian, a gator will likely cycle through 3,000 teeth in one lifespan.

Their bark isn’t worse than their bite

A surprising truth about gators is that they are social animals, and that includes a lot of vocalizing. In fact, Frank Robb, the alligator specialist who captured the Humboldt gator, mimicked an alligator call in order to lure the creature from the lagoon. Even more surprising, an alligator’s bite breaks records. These reptiles can chomp down with a crushing 3,000-pound force.

Pet gators are prohibited in Illinois

In case you were tempted to have an 8-foot long, scaly, carnivorous pet, the law would stop you. Alligators fall into the “life-threatening reptile” category on the Illinois banned pet list, with other animals such as bears and big cats, according to Born Free USA. Don’t worry, though. Wisconsin doesn’t require any sort of permit or place any sort of ban on alligator ownership.

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