So, the American Alligator Can Climb Trees ... How Terrifying

The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) gets its scientific name from simple origins: Alligator stems from the Spanish "el lagarto," translated to "big lizard," and mississippiensis comes from the dominating Mississippi River of central North America, which feeds many slow-moving rivers and swamp habitats in the southeastern U.S. where these creatures thrive.

Adult American alligators have long, muscular bodies covered in thick, horned, armor-like scales that protect them from snouts to sweeping tails. Their short legs and webbed feet allow them to stay hidden as they hunt and move through their shallow aquatic environment.

Male alligators grow faster and larger than females, with many reaching 13-foot (4-meter) lengths and massive weights up to 500 pounds (227 kg). Female alligators are slightly smaller, often measuring 9 feet (2.75 meters) long and 200 pounds (90 kg).

In terms of behavior, alligators are more akin to tourists on a beach holiday than the mindless, blood-thirsty killers from pop culture.

Alligators are cold-blooded, so they use their environments to regulate their body temperature. This forces them to spend a significant part of the day soaking up the sun on the shore to save energy for nocturnal hunts.

American alligators dig burrows and tunnels up to 65 feet (20 meters) long to shelter against extreme weather and drought. This "gator hole" structure is also used for nesting and raising young alligators.

A mother protects 35 to 40 eggs for approximately 70 days until they hatch and can fend for themselves.

An alligator has incredible bite strength, with larger alligators exhibiting a force of 2,125 pounds per square inch (PSI) to break through a turtle's shell and hobble other animals consumed along the shoreline.

When the lower and upper jaw lock onto their target, they will drag their prey into water and drown them with an iconic "death roll" maneuver.

Young alligators begin with an insect diet, but as they gain size and strength, they graduate to larger prey, including small fish, wading birds and unsuspecting small mammals commonly found in marsh vegetation. Some alligators have even been known to feast on feral hogs and largemouth bass.

An American alligator typically reaches sexual maturity between 10 and 12 years old, or once it grows to roughly 7 feet (2.1 meters) in length. Mating season occurs in April and May, when you may hear males bellowing and fighting to attract females and assert their dominance over rival suitors.

Nest construction takes place in the summer months, when the mother alligator locates a suitable site, digs a hole, lays up to 60 goose-egg-sized offspring, and then covers up the hole with local vegetation. The vegetation then breaks down in the sun, and the warmth helps the eggs incubate until they hatch.

A few months later, a young alligator will use its egg tooth to break through its protective shield and join its brothers and sisters as they leave their respective alligator nests to continue this prehistoric life cycle.

The American alligator has a large range in the Southeastern United States, spanning from central Texas to North Carolina. However, the densest populations can be found between the East Texas border and South of South Carolina.

They prefer to inhabit swamps and coastal marshes, but scientists have recorded some cases of alligators hunting in salt water for brief periods.

The American alligator is no longer on the endangered species list thanks to vigilant research and wildlife management strategies that regulate hunting and commercial alligator farming.

This once-threatened species now boasts roughly over a million captive American alligators and between 2 and 3 million living in the wild.

One of the best places in the world to catch a glimpse of these modern-day dinosaurs is Everglades National Park in southern Florida, which is home to an astounding alligator population of over 200,000.

Barring issues with climate change and human interference, these population numbers are expected to increase over time since wild alligators have a life expectancy that can exceed 50 years, while captive specimens typically live longer.

Like other animals on the apex predators list, American alligators are often misunderstood. Here are three common misconceptions people perpetuate about these majestic creatures.

1. Alligators are Naturally Aggressive

There are roughly seven alligator attacks each year. Many of these attacks stem from human encroachment into gator habitats during breeding season when mature males are at their most aggressive or when a female alligator attacks to protect their nest.

2. Alligators Are Poor Climbers

American alligators are extremely fast when they choose to be, with many performing top land speeds of 35 mph (56 km/h). However, climbing a tree may not keep you out of harm's way. Even with their short legs, alligators are exceptional climbers, especially when traversing obstacles with inside corners.

For this reason, many gator enclosures will be constructed of multi-angled fences to reduce the risk of escape.

3. Adult Alligators Eat Young Alligators

A baby alligator has a very slim chance of falling victim to cannibalism (roughly 7 percent). Female alligators may protect their offspring for up to two years and then chase them off when they are ready to produce a new clutch of eggs.

Stubborn lingerers may become a viable food source during this transition, but this is a rare occurrence.