Florida holds a biological title found nowhere else on the planet: it is the only place in the world where both American alligators and American crocodiles live side-by-side in the wild.
While the state is famous for its massive alligator population, the American crocodile also calls the coastal regions of southern Florida home, creating a unique overlap of these two Crocodilia species.
Telling the two apart often comes down to a quick look at the snout. Alligators sport a wide, rounded “U”-shaped snout, and when their mouths are closed, usually only the upper teeth show.
Crocodiles, by contrast, have a much narrower “V”-shaped snout, and a closed jaw typically reveals both top and bottom teeth. Color also provides a clue; adult alligators are mostly dark gray, whereas crocodiles tend to be a paler brownish-gray.
Their territories generally differ based on the type of water they prefer. Alligators are found in every county in Florida and gravitate toward freshwater lakes and slow-moving rivers. American crocodiles are more limited, sticking to the tropical coastal regions of southern Florida and the Caribbean.
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They prefer the brackish or saltwater of ponds and coves, though they have been known to pop up in freshwater canals from time to time.
Despite their differences, the two species share several habits. Both are ectothermic, meaning they rely on the environment to regulate their body temperature. You might see a crocodile “gaping”—basking in the sun with its mouth wide open—to soak up heat.
Both species will also travel across land to move between bodies of water, though experts note they are not actively hunting while on these terrestrial treks.
To help residents and tourists share the landscape safely, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) emphasizes a few key safety rules.
“Keep a safe distance if you see an alligator or crocodile,” the agency advises. They also urge the public to keep pets on leashes and away from the water’s edge, as pets can resemble natural prey.
Safety experts also recommend swimming only in designated areas during daylight hours, as these reptiles are most active between dusk and dawn.
Perhaps most importantly, the FWC warns: “Never feed an alligator or crocodile. It’s illegal and dangerous.” Feeding these animals causes them to lose their natural fear of humans, associating people with food instead. This behavior often leads to the animal becoming a nuisance, requiring its removal from the wild.
For those concerned about a specific animal, the FWC maintains a Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR to determine if a professional trapper is needed.
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