About the American AlligatorThe American Alligator primarily inhabits freshwater swamps and other small bodies of water. They also create burrows for nests, and these burrows later provide nests for other species, like the turtles who incubate their eggs in these alligator burrows. It also provides a home for other small wildlife. The alligators food source consists of small mammals, fish, turtles, birds, and reptiles, including smaller alligators.
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Behaviors |
Large male alligators are territorial animals. The largest males, and females will defend prime territory. Smaller alligators can be found in large numbers in close proximity to each others, because they have a higher tolerance of other alligators within a smaller size class. During the breeding season, the female builds a nest of vegetation, sticks leaves and mud in a sheltered spot in or near the water.
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Affect from Pythons |
Clashes between alligators and pythons have been on the rise in the Everglades for the past 20 years. Unwanted pet snakes dumped in the swamp have thrived, and the Asian reptile is now a major competitor in the alligator's native ecosystem. However, Pythons are known to eat the alligators. The niche is not heavily impacted, although the Alligator is no longer the apex predator; the Python took it's place.
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