What Do Alligators Eat

Alligators are generally solitary and territorial animals. But what do alligators eat? This post will answer that question and also tell you a few interesting things about alligators.

What do Alligators Eat?

Baby alligators eat small fish, insects, snails, worms and crustaceans (such as crabs and lobsters). As alligators grow, they start preying on larger animals. Some of their favorite foods are gar (a species of fish), turtles, birds, antelope and other reptiles. If alligators get very hungry that may eat the carcass of a dead animal.

Interesting Facts About Alligators

• Alligators rarely attack humans. They will only attack a human if they feel threatened by them. Crocodiles, on the other hand, regard human as prey as soon as they encounter them.
• There are a few albino (white) alligators living in captivity. They cannot survive in the wild as they are sensitive to the sun and predators.
• Alligators are raised in farms for their meat and skin. Alligator skin is used to make bags and shoes.
• Alligators are native to the United States and China. The Chinese alligator is an endangered species as there are only 20-30 living in the wild. More Chinese alligators live in zoos than can be found in the wild.
• Alligators have (on average) 75 teeth.
• Alligators kill prey by dragging them into the water and drowning them.