
BONUS: FUN FACTS ABOUT GATORS
Click on or around the alligator below to reveal random facts about these remarkable reptiles.
ALLIGATOR FACT No. 1:

American alligators have tiny black spots all over their heads that are actually nerve endings, or sensory pits. These spots help the alligator hunt for food at night. They are so sensitive that an alligator in the water can feel the vibrations of a field mouse in the grass and know exactly where it is! In dark murky water, these sensory pits tell them when something is coming near, even if they can't see anything.
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ALLIGATOR FACT No. 2:

American alligators have taste buds on the sides of their mouths and feed themselves by sweeping their heads sideways.
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ALLIGATOR FACT No. 3:

Alligators grow new teeth to replace teeth lost while hunting or crunching the bones of prey. It is estimated that an alligator may go through 2,000 teeth in its lifetime.
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ALLIGATOR FACT No. 4:

An alligator uses its teeth and strong jaws to catch and crush its food. One good smack can crush bones and turtle shells. Did anyone tell the turtle in the photo?
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ALLIGATOR FACT No. 5:

Alligators cannot chew their food, so they tear it to pieces or swallow it whole. If it's too big, they stash it away until it rots enough to tear off a piece at a time.
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ALLIGATOR FACT No. 6:

Alligators have a third eyelid that is transparent. Like built-in goggles, these eyelids protect their eyes when they're under water.
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ALLIGATOR FACT No. 7:

Alligators can actually jump out of the water about five feet! They use their tails to jump for animals on low branches or birds flying above the water.
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ALLIGATOR FACT No. 8:

Alligators quit eating when the temperature falls below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They enter their dens and stay there until it warms up again.
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ALLIGATOR FACT No. 9:

Alligators cannot swallow under water. They must bring their heads above the surface. Because their tongues are attached to their bottom jaws, they must tilt their heads back and use gravity to help them swallow.
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ALLIGATOR FACT No. 10:

Adult alligators are a little territorial. They make their homes and generally stay in that area, often fighting other gators for it. When they are young, they are very social and tend to stay near other gators.
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ALLIGATOR FACT No. 11:

The largest male of the gators in the area is dominant and sort of the "king" of the swamp. Smaller gators and female gators usually would not challenge the large male or compete with him for food. This was a very brave female that was hungry enough to come right up and take some chicken that was offered to the large male. Since it is not mating season, this was a very risky move.
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ALLIGATOR FACT No. 12:

Every single part of the alligator can be marketed and sold. The meat is sought after, as well as the leather and other novelty items made from alligator parts-heads, necklaces made from teeth and claws, backscratchers made from feet, and the like.
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