The large reptile commonly called the alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) belongs to the scientific family Crocodylidae (which also includes crocodiles). These fascinating animals date back 230 million years to the Triassic period. Alligators have existed unchanged for the past 65 million years. They’re modern dinosaurs!

Alligators are found in the southeastern United States and in China. Chinese alligators tend to be small, growing to only about six feet in length. Alligators in the U.S., however, average about 13-15 feet in length and about 500-600 pounds – but have been known to grow as large as about 1,000 pounds and about 19 feet long!

Once an endangered species, alligators are now listed as protected. Alligators are believed to live from 35-50 years in the wild and from 60-80 years in captivity.

How do you tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile? The best way is by looking at their heads: Alligators have a short, blunt and rounded snout, while crocodiles have long, tapered snouts.