Alligators & Pythons in the Wild

Alligators and pythons exist in the wild across numerous continents, sometimes with very little variation from species to species. While some alligators and pythons have become endangered species, others have become domesticated and thrive as household pets. While the most notable differences between some species are size and color, it is also worth noting that some are more aggressive predators than others.

  1. American Alligator

    • The American alligator (also known as a gator, a pike-headed alligator, Florida alligator, Mississippi alligator or a Louisiana alligator) is a cold-blooded animal that belongs to the reptile Crocodilian family. This type of alligator is incredibly strong, capable of using its powerful jaws to kill an animal weighing more than 2,000 pounds. Like many animals, the American alligator will attack when it feels threatened. The male American alligator can grow to 12 feet in length and can weigh more than 1,000 pounds.

    Chinese Alligator

    • The Chinese alligator, or Alligator sinensis, is considered critically endangered. It is thought that there are less than 200 Chinese alligators left in the wild. The Chinese alligator is similar in appearance to the American alligator, but much smaller. These alligators rarely reach lengths beyond 5 feet and weigh around 100 pounds. The Chinese alligator is also considered to be a docile creature that poses little threat to humans; however, it is capable of inflicting painful wounds.

    Ball Pythons

    • The ball python is commonly referred to as the royal python or king python. It is called a ball python because, when it feels threatened, it will curl up into a ball. Ball pythons are black with yellow-brown or gold colored sides. While ball pythons are found in the wild, they are also common as pets. Ball pythons kept in captivity have a life expectancy of nearly 40 years.

    Reticulated Python and African Rock Python

    • Reticulated pythons or regal pythons can reach lengths of up to 30 feet and, as such, are thought to be the largest snakes in the world. They are also the only snake known to eat humans. The African Rock python is another very large snake that can, in some cases, reach nearly 32 feet in length. The African Rock python is mainly found in Africa as it prefers a humid environment. Its existence dates back to the evolution of man.

    Other Pythons

    • Other pythons found in the wild that do not grow to such extreme sizes include the black-headed, which only reaches approximately 90 inches; the Ramsey's python, which grows to approximately 84 inches; the extremely rare Ringed python, which also reaches about 84 inches; the children's python that can grow up to 50 inches; and the carpet python that can grow to nearly 10 feet.