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Alligator Lifespan: How Long Do Alligators Live?

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Swamp Fever
Alligator Lifespan: How Long Do Alligators Live?

Alligators are not ranked the highest on being the cuddliest animals. But they are one of the most fascinating and coolest animals out there. After all, these creatures have power behind their jaws. They showcase their agility in the water. No wonder tourists and locals alike are so drawn to learn more about them.


Are you looking for one of the coolest ways to view alligators? You should try going on an alligator tour or airboat ride. But first, you might want to learn some basic information about the alligators. This article will inform you how long do alligators live. It will also provide you with reasons why you should go on an alligator tour in Florida.


Alligators are carnivore creatures that hide in the thick marshland. Alligators that live in Florida usually eat insects, fish, snakes, and other mammals. As reptiles, these creatures are cold-blooded animals. It means that their body temperature is often regulated by the temp of their environment.


That's why you can see them basking in the sun since they're trying to regulate their body temperature. The body rates of alligators are usually slowed down during the winter months. This is to the point where they can no longer catch or digest food well. As such, alligators enter underground holes and remain dormant through the winter months.


American alligators live around 30 to 50 years in the wild. They even live up to 70 years in captivity. But some of them die much younger while others get to live much older.


Wondering what is the world's oldest alligator? It is at least 85 years old and named Muja. This American alligator lives at Belgrade Zoo in Serbia. He first arrived at the said zoo in 1937. He was already two years old at that time. Guinness World Records recorded Muja as the "Oldest living alligator in captivity." On May 22, 2018, Muja was at least 80 years and 252 days old. In 2021, he was at least 85 years old.


According to studies, alligators can live much longer in captivity than in the wild. With a 20-year-old difference. One can expect wild alligators to live 30 to 50 years. While captive alligators live to 70 years or even older. But this does not mean that you should keep alligators as pets.


So, do alligators live longer than crocodiles? Studies show that most crocodiles live around 30 to 40 years. The larger species can live around 70 years. The oldest crocodiles lived over 100 years old. This is longer than any alligators recorded. This means the oldest crocodiles do live older than the oldest alligator on record.


After all, alligators are dangerous, wild animals. Not only do these creatures make terrible human companions. Alligators are also much happier in their natural habitat. But there are several alligators in captivity. This includes zoos and sanctuaries, places that are helping to rebuild their population.



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