American Crocodile

Crocodiles are the world’s largest reptiles.  These remarkable creatures have been on the earth for over 200 million years!  Like their reptile cousins, snakes, lizards and turtles, crocodiles have dry scales covering their bodies.  They are also ectothermic.  This means their body temperature changes with the temperature around them, just like a thermometer.

Physical Description

American Crocodiles are huge animals.  They can grow to over 15 feet in length and weigh more than 1,000 pounds.  They have a long scaly body with a sideways flattened tail for swimming.  They also have a very large head with powerful jaws and dozens of spiky teeth.  We can tell a crocodile from an alligator by its teeth.  An alligator’s teeth fit neatly together and a crocodile’s lower fourth tooth sticks out when its mouth is closed.

Family Life

Mother American Crocodiles lay dozens of eggs in a hole nest near water.  Mother crocodiles guard their nests.  When her babies hatch she brings them to the water in her mouth.  She may watch over the hatchling for over 2 years.  At that point they are normally over 2 feet long and are ready to live on their own.

Diet

Fish, mammals, frogs, turtles, snakes, birds and insects