 Alligator Large reptile similar to the crocodile, both animals belong to the order of crocodila . The American alligator which is about 12 to 14 ft. is found from North Carolina to Florida and in the Gulf states. When young, it is dark brown or black with yellow transverse bands. These fade as the animal grows older, and the adult is black. Alligators eat fish and other wildlife, they are not known to attack man except in self-defense .
From 20 to 50 eggs are laid in a mound of vegetation. The demand for alligator leather has reduced the number of wild specimens. The Chinese species is smaller than the American closely related to the alligator is the cayman and of Central and South America . | 
