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Hatchling Alligator - Live Action Photo

The word "alligator" comes from the Spanish word "el lagarto," which means "the lizard."
Though many people are afraid of al...
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The word "alligator" comes from the Spanish word "el lagarto," which means "the lizard."
Though many people are afraid of alligators, these animals keep to themselves and usually don't attack humans unless they are threatened.
The alligator's rough skin makes it look like a floating log, which is helpful when stalking prey.
Alligators mate in June. Males may fertilize several females in one mating season, according to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. Females are known to have only one mate each season. In July, the female alligator creates a nest from mud, plants and sticks in which she lays her eggs. The temperature of the alligator's nest determines what sex the offspring will be, according to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. Females are produced when the temperatures are below 82.4 Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius), and males are produced at temperatures above 91.4 F (33 C). A temperature of 87.8 F (31 C) will produce an even number of males and females.
As the eggs incubate in the nest, the female will watch over them. In September, when the babies are ready to hatch, she will help them by removing debris covering the nest and. She may also help the babies by breaking the shells with her mouth.
As soon as they are born, the babies, called hatchlings, can go and catch their own food.

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