BY AUSTIN

 THE AMERICAN ALLIGATOR CAN BE UP TO EIGHTEEN FEET LONG.  THE AMEICAN ALLIGATOR CAN WEIGH UP TO 600 POUNDS.

 THE AMERICAN ALLIGATOR CAN LIVE UP TO 50 YEARS.

 THE AMERICAN ALLIGATOR EATS FISH, TURTLES, VARIOUS MAMMALS, BIRDS, AND OTHER REPTILES.

 THERE ARE ONLY 5 MILLION ALLIGATORS LEFT IN THE UNITED STATES.

 The American alligator lives in North America in Florida, Louisiana, Southern Texas, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama.  They can live in swamps along the coast, in rivers, and in ponds.

 The American alligator uses its claws to climb on land.  The American alligator uses its tail to swim in water.  The American alligator uses its teeth to rip and tear meat.

 Alligators can swim up to 20 mph and can run on land at 30 mph.  Alligators have no vocal cords.

 Defenders Of The Wild ORG