What's the difference between an Alligator and a Crocodile?

[Simba's Mom]

Like Florida, our area has alot of Alligators. However, last week, the newspaper reported that a Crocodile had been found near here (in Brownsville, TX, for anyone wanting to see it!). I have no idea what the difference is. Which is more aggressive? And is one or both meat-eating?

 

[MosMom]

I'm sure by the time I type all of this out someone else will have answered but here is goes...

Crocodiles teeth sit outside the snout while an alligators teeth fit into sockets in the jaw. One has a broader head/snout, I think the Alligator.

The biggest difference is how many there are. Alligators FAR outnumber crocs in the US. Crocs are considered endangered and there are only around 700 (maybe less by now) left. That is probably why they are making a big deal out of the croc in your area.

They will, however, both eat you.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Originally posted by MosMom

Crocodiles teeth sit outside the snout while an alligators teeth fit into sockets in the jaw. One has a broader head/snout, I think the Alligator.

I learned this from Stanley.

 

[brerrabbit]

Crocs are more aggresive and can grow much larger. Alligators have the broad snouts while Crocs are more pointed. The only crocs in the US were at the very southern tip of Florida. They are saltwater crocs and until the siteing in south Texas were the only place they were thought to be in the US. Alligators were on the endangered species list for quite a while but apparently the conservation push worked pretty well because now many states allow alligator hunting ( really more like fishing) with a special permit and a class in alligator hunting 101. Texas allows it and so does Louisiana. Here around the Houston area its getting as bad as Florida in that alligators are showing up in residential areas all the time having been displaced by new housing developments. I have several that live near my house on and around a golf course.