acacia gazelle

American alligators are one of only two alligator species. The other species, the Chinese alligator, is endemic to China. American alligators are very common in swamps, ponds and lakes in the southern United States and northeastern Mexico. These giant, dinosaur looking creatures never stop growing as they age, and can be over 15 feet long. Alligators are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain, and will eat almost anything they can find. They mainly live in freshwater or brackish water, and can tolerate water temperatures down to 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less.