Also known as gator or common alligator, the American alligator is a large crocodilian reptile endemic to the South-eastern United States. It is built for an aquatic life and can get really clumsy on land. It has webbed feet that aids in swimming. In addition to that, it has a strong tail that propels the gator in water.
The American alligator feeds mainly on fish, turtles, snakes, and small mammals. It is an apex species and plays an important role in maintaining the biodiversity of its habitat. Apart from hunting in water, it can also hunt on land at night.
While hunting a terrestrial prey, American alligators ambush them from the edge of the water. They grab the prey and pull it into the water, like many other crocodile species. They are also known to lure birds, mostly by balancing sticks and branches on their heads. Poor birds looking for nesting material fall in this trap. American alligators are one of the few animals that use tools to lure their prey.
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