There is only one place where both American crocodiles and American alligators are found, and that is South Florida. But, as you can see in this startling YouTube clip, they do not always get along! In this footage, they are having a violent confrontation, and it appears to be the croc that has the upper hand. Let’s explore what might have caused this disagreement and which animal is most likely to win.
More About Crocs and Gators
Crocodiles and alligators are from the same scientific order (Crocodylia) but from different families. The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)is a robust reptile with a broad, rounded snout. They can be found from coastal North Carolina south to southern Florida and the Keys. Their range extends west through the Deep South to central Texas and extreme southeastern Oklahoma. However, they do turn up in other parts of the US, most likely as escaped or deliberately released pets. They can live in many different types of waterways, both natural and manmade.
American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) have a longer, tapering snout with prominently displayed teeth even when their mouth is closed. In North America, their native range is along the extreme southern coastline of Florida, taking in the Keys. Here, they prefer brackish waters and coastal mangrove swamps, but they may also wander inland or out to sea. Interestingly, there is a population of American crocodiles living in the cooling canal system of the Turkey Point Nuclear Power Plant in Florida!
Why Are These Animals Fighting?
Crocodiles are generally more aggressive than alligators.
©Willyam Bradberry/Shutterstock.com
Crocodilians sometimes fight when competing for resources, and these confrontations can escalate into physical conflict. The resource in dispute could be food or the best basking spot in the area. Both are cold-blooded animals and need to maintain their body temperatures by basking in the sun. There have been reports of gators locking jaws with each other on Florida golf courses, so it is not surprising that they would also defend themselves against a crocodile.
Who Would Win This Fight?
In this particular footage, it looks as if the crocodile is the aggressor. This makes sense because they are generally more aggressive than alligators. The gator in this clip tries to get away on several occasions, but the crocodile is persistent in its attack! However, the alligator manages to clamp the crocodile’s jaws shut on a couple of occasions. American alligators have a bite force of 2,125 psi, so that would have hurt! Coming to blows is a last resort for animals like these because such fights can be risky. They both have sharp teeth and powerful jaws, so even the winner risks a nasty injury.
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