Alligators vs. Crocodiles

While alligators and crocodiles share a lot of similarities and are often confused, there's an easy way to tell them apart.

One generally reliable rule is that alligators have U-shaped heads, while crocodiles are V-shaped - which can be remembered by noting that "A" in alligator comes before "C" in crocodile, and "U" comes before "V."  If you're still confused, try to get a look at their mouth.  In alligators only the upper teeth can be seen with the jaws closed.  In crocodiles upper and lower teeth can be seen.

Pic Of The Week - Don't Open The Door!

Knock knock. 

Who's there?

Alli.

Alli who?

Alligator, coming to eat you!

 

That's the first thought we had when we saw this terrifying picture of an alligator trying to get into a home (presumably in Florida). We couldn't find any information about this picture, but the image pretty much says it all. Can you imagine the horror of someone opening the door and facing that big creature?!

And while we were searching for information, we came across a similar, and equally scary, picture of an alligator - this time it looks like they were trying to use the front door. Apparently, when you live in Florida, it's always important to look out the door before you open it!

Alligator-Powered Car

So this might not exactly be a solution for high gas prices, but maybe it'd work for golf carts in Florida.

Animal Facts: Alligators

Did you know that there are only two species of alligators in the world? The American alligator and the Chinese alligator. Alligators first came into existence during the Oligocene period, about 37 millions years ago.

The word "alligator" is a form of the Spanish term "el lagarto" which means lizard. Early Spanish explorers first termed alligators this while settling in Florida. They must have thought those were some big lizards, seeing as how large adult alligators can weigh between 800 to 1,000 pounds and measure from 13 to 14.5 feet long!