10. 75 inches Individual scales clearly black and cream, total length to 13. The southern alligator lizard is found on San Miguel, Santa Rosa, and Santa Cruz Islands in the national park as well as almost any natural habitat in California (except most of the deserts and very high elevations. Some “herps” are at risk because their populations are rare, declining. Adult Gila monsters can grow to 2 feet long and weigh 5 pounds or more, making it our biggest native lizard. The Gila monster can also be found in the southwestern desert areas in the United States. It is common knowledge that alligators, crocodiles, and sharks are all dangerous animals. Madrean Alligator Lizard. See answer (1) Best Answer. Adult Komodo dragons will eat their young and other dragons but typically eat carrion as their primary food source. Photo courtesy of Dave Prival. Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Northern Alligator Lizard. The tiger shark is known as one of the most dangerous types of shark in Hawaii’s waters. Alligator lizards are found from southern. When angry or trying to intimidate an. Like many lizards, this species can drop its tail. They can grow up to 13 feet long and have tiger-like stripes across their body. Any mice fed to a. 5 metres (15. All victims were owners or family of the owners. 2. Preferring little meals they can consume in one or two bites, alligators eat almost any kind of meat, be it birds, fish, small mammals, or even other reptiles. However, the monitor lizard cannot be tamed. Fortunately, Panamint alligator lizards are completely different from the previous 2, at least in terms of appearance. Northern Alligator Lizard. Alligator lizards do not typically bask in the sun out in the open or on top of a rock like many other lizard species. Because an alligator lizard may bite, you can wear a glove when you grab it. A large monitor lizard technically has the ability to kill a human. 31. In 1987 the Florida state reptile officially became the American Alligator. In the wild, Nile monitors face several predators, including crocodiles, leopards, and lions. Lifespan. The California Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata is a long brown, yellow or grey lizard with red blotches on the back and 9-13 dark bands on the sides, back and tail. The monitor lizard also knows no loyalty. Crocodiles, on the other hand, prefer saltwater habitats, whereas alligators prefer freshwater marshes and lakes. These wild dragons typically weigh about 154 pounds (70 kilograms), but the largest verified specimen reached a length of 10. Alligator lizards are not poisonous, and their bite will not be harmful to humans, although it is painful because of its sharp teeth. Research shows that there is a lesser occurrence of Lyme disease in areas Western Fence lizards exist. Northwestern salamander larvae and terrestrial adults are mildly poisonous, which generally allows them to survive alongside predators. For your basking area, all you really need is a low watt bulb that is placed outside of the enclosure. According to wildlife commission data, 184,047 nuisance alligators have been killed from 1997-2021. : Appearance: Alligator lizards, genus Elgaria, are members of the family Anguidae, a family of lizards found in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Despite their small size, Northern Alligator Lizards are formidable predators. Mexican Alligator Lizard (Abronia graminea) 22. Species. However, the most dangerous trait the monitor lizard possesses may be its aggressive and extremely ferocious personality. The bites of American alligators rank sixth. Their coloration tends to vary by region. There are 45 lizard species native to Texas. They are found in grasslands, open forests and chaparral. Despite its venom, the Gila monster is a rather. Common Side-Blotched Lizard. These reptiles average between 10 – 15 feet (3 – 4. It is important to note that not all lizards are harmful or dangerous. While Portugal is home to several species of snake, only two make our dangerous animals list. ) They can be fairly large in size. The alligator. Alligator lizards are not poisonous creatures. They require a specialized environment and diet, and can be very dangerous to humans. Learn more Watch on YouTube Watch on Is a small alligator dangerous? Small alligators are, generally, not that dangerous. Unlike dangerous, 12-foot alligators, Alligator Lizards pack a crocodilian’s voracious predatory appetite and boney scales into a harmless 6-inch body. There are technically 4 different subspecies of Mexican beaded lizard, each of which has its own. They are generally safe to eat when cooked properly. Western fence lizards play a vital role in the food chain and are an important part of the ecosystem. This guide includes most of the reptiles and amphibians that could possibly be seen on the Oaxaca, Mexico tour run by Wild Latitudes. Identification Numbers. Best Halloween Costumes for Dogs. 3 - 17. The young are preyed upon by a variety of animals, especially the raven. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and discoloration in the area around the bite as well as swollen lymph nodes. The species is native to the Pacific coast of North America. Because of their small size, North American lizards are easy for dogs and cats to catch and eat. 3. Crocodiles are reptiles, and although cold weather is survivable, It’s certainly not their preference. Both animals can be very dangerous, so it really depends on the specific situation. Floridians often say that the Argentine Black and White Tegu resembles an alligator but has more monochrome-colored skin. Shark attacks mostly occur when a shark mistakes a human for a turtle or other creature. Anoles are the cute little lizards you see all over Puerto Rico. The complex venom of these lizards contains serotonin, arginine esterase, hyaluronidase, phospholipase A2, and ≥ 1 salivary kallikreins but lacks neurotoxic components or. Alligators are generally considered to be more aggressive, while crocodiles are more likely to attack humans if they feel threatened. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are not poisonous and will not. Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) Perhaps the most well-known venomous lizard is the Komodo dragon. When the. Fortunately, Panamint alligator lizards are completely different from the previous 2, at least in terms of appearance. On the other hand, alligators can be quite dangerous. This lizard, the Phrynosoma Cornutum, can be found from North Mexico to Carolina. 2. They are instinctual living machines. If you've got a hand in its mouth, stick it down in its gullet. Background on Alligators. 2 - 15. In many states, you will need a permit to keep one, as they are classed as dangerous animals. The rare reptiles hatched this summer at Wild Florida in Kenansville, Florida. Not Dangerous to Humans: Video: Range shown in Red : Adults are typically 4 to 5 ft. Animal name origin. Geography. Look Out for Amorous Alligator Lizards. Illustration showing the difference in snout shape between a “typical” crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) and a “typical” alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. They can infest the liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder. Luckily, these lizards aren’t very aggressive. Even more surprising: a single lizard will not only eat one or two, but five spiders without any affectation. The blue-tailed lizards are known as skinks. Alligator lizards have slender grey-brown colored bodies, ranging. We never recommend setting a lizard trap, since this will typically kill or injure lizards. #4. The scientific name for the eastern fence lizard is Sceloporus undulatus. When properly cared for and supervised, domesticated tegus are generally not dangerous to other mid-sized pets such as cats and dogs. As ectothermic reptiles, an alligator’s body temperature changes based on the outside environment. These massive reptilians can grow more than 12 feet (3. Their bellies are cream coloured with brown spots that fade towards the back of the lizard and become darker towards the throat. They also possess a “mosaic-like” pattern of scales on their upper surface. SDZWA Library Links. Our website provides access to zoo, animal, plant, conservation, and veterinary information resources. Some alligators and crocodiles can be equally aggressive, while others may be more docile. These lizards are primarily found in forested areas at elevations of 1,000 to 11,000 feet. Both animals are known to be aggressive, and attacks on humans are not uncommon. [5] They are brown to black in color (the brown may be sandy or greenish) and have black stripes on their backs, but their most distinguishing characteristic is their bright blue bellies. These pages are part of the San Diego Zoo Global Library website. Conservation status: Least concern. . Three species-the eastern diamondback, pygmy, and. OK, maybe it has, but no reason to panic. . S. Some countries use turtles, crocodiles, snakes and lizards as a source of protein in the human food chain. There are two main extant species: Chinese and American alligators. Average Lifespan in Captivity: 9 years. Lizards vs Crocodiles (Video) Venemous; Common Diseases;. Caiman. But which of these three pose the greatest threat to humans? Alligators and crocodiles are both large reptiles that can be found in tropical climates. It is one of the two extant species in the genus Alligator, and is larger than the only other living alligator species, the Chinese alligator. They have stiff armored scales. ©Steve Byland/Shutterstock. The difference is that alligators can regrow the same tooth up to 50 times during their lifetime, which makes sense given the type of prey they’re eating. 4 See also. Box 709 Tucson, Arizona 85702-0709. Southern Alligator Lizard. Punch the alligator, poke it in the eyes, hit it in the head. Oak forest skink (Plestiodon lynxe) A common trait in poisonous lizard species is. The hatchlings are approximately 1 1/2 inches long. The northern sagebrush lizard appears similar to the western fence lizard, but they are smaller in size (adults less than 2. Are northern alligator lizards dangerous? No, alligator lizards are not dangerous; these lizards are common prey to birds, snakes, and even to common house cats. Inherently dangerous or endangered animals in Kentucky are banned, including venomous reptiles. The color of lizard poop is typically black, with a white cap at the end. They are characterized by a thick. According to dream analyst Lauri Loewenberg, alligator dreams are a common one, and one she has a lot herself. Another threat these animals face is the ever-booming fashion industry. There are more than 50 lizard species in Florida, with only 15 of those being native to the state. This is in reference to the large pores in the leg that release the pheromones. m. Nile monitors feed on a wide variety of prey items, including fish, frogs, toads (even poisonous ones of the genera Breviceps and Sclerophrys), small reptiles (such as turtles, snakes, lizards, and young crocodiles), birds, rodents, other small mammals (up to domestic cats and young antelopes ), eggs (including those of crocodiles, agamids. An often silent yet lethal killer, the mosquito is probably one of the most dangerous animals in Vietnam that’s regularly overlooked by travelers. Legless lizards are not venomous, but they appear to be. Yet, they are known for rarely. Only six of the 23 crocodilian species are considered dangerous to adult human beings, most notably the Nile crocodile and saltwater crocodile. These include. There are three subspecies of the Southern Alligator Lizard: California Alligator Lizard (E. Northern alligator lizard. [1] About 80 species are recognized. Lizards are much less dangerous, but there is a large diversity of them to be found. Snakes, bobcats, hawks, and coyotes will munch on one of these creatures if given a chance, but like many lizards, they can ditch their tails in a time of crisis. Small Pets;. Caimans inhabit Mexico and Central & South America from marshes and. Additionally, several extinct species of alligator are known from fossil remains. In general, however, alligators are considered to be more aggressive than crocodiles. While they may look intimidating due to their resemblance to alligators, they pose no threat. When you see a frilled lizard, you might wonder if this species is dangerous. Why Lizards. They may enter your home searching for warm places like near light fixtures or heating vents. Do everything that you can to force the alligator to release you. For the lizards that do reside within Texas’ borders, hot and humid temperatures offer a great habitat for them. It does take practice to use it properly, but it’s the easiest and fastest way to catch a loose skink. Both alligators and crocodiles are large, powerful reptiles that can cause serious harm to humans. Large, diurnal, rock-dwelling desert lizards with large heads and a dark collar around the neck. They seem to prefer sunny spots with some cover. They are aggressive and will bite if threatened, which hurts but isn’t toxic. The glass lizard, also known as the. The reason why lizard poo has such an easily identifiable look is because of the unique way these reptiles expel. 13. Komodos arethe most dangerous, and also the largest extant living lizard species alive today, while Crocodiles are the largest reptile overall. pet market. But which of these three pose the greatest threat to humans? Alligators and crocodiles are both large reptiles that can be found in tropical climates. Drymobius chloroticus. Burmese pythons famously infest the Florida Everglades as an invasive species, so even as they roam the wilds of the sunshine state, human. The North American west coast is home to the northern alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea), a medium-sized lizard species belonging to the Anguidae family. Lizards of Nevada Alligator Lizards. Alligators are advanced reptiles. Southern Alligator Lizards in California have a dangerous favorite food – the Black Widow Spider! This highly venomous spider doesn’t have very many predators, but Southern Alligator. Adults can approach about 3. Gekkota: This group contains every single species of gecko, including those with eyelids. They usually prefer dry habitats, like deserts and rocky outcrops, but can also be found in wetter areas near rivers and streams. They are typically docile and not very aggressive. geckos. Reptiles. Alligator lizards are solitary creatures, living. Kentucky’s change in regulation now prohibits pet ownership of dangerous animals such as elephants, lions, bears, tigers, rhinos, leopards and certain primates. That’s why they live further north in the United States. Moray eels are one of the most dangerous animals in Hawaii. Lizards will consume water droplets that collect on the enclosure’s foliage and walls after sprinkling, but you can add a bowl of pure water that keeps Mexican alligator lizards hydrated at all times. Do Alligator swim? yes alligator lizards swim in shallow water but enough to swim in. October 2023. Gila monster ( Heloderma suspectum) Richard Weymouth Brooks/Photo Researchers. 3 feet (3. Poisoning: Lizard poisoning is incredibly rare, considering most lizards don’t carry enough poison to affect a dog if eaten seriously. Because fireflies, elder bugs, and luminous bugs can be poisonous to Mexican alligator lizards, they should not be fed to them. The difference is that alligators can regrow the same tooth up to 50 times during their lifetime, which makes sense given the type of prey they’re eating. Florida is home to some pretty fantastic animals. Tetanus prophylaxis should be given (see table ). Alligators are. Alligator lizards are a type of lizard that is found in North and South America. Lizards come in many shapes and sizes as the species differ. The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is a particularly dangerous shark. 2 cm). two alligator lizards. Alligator meat is a delicacy in China. There is an actual animal here. Fast Facts. Now with high-quality pictures. No known venomous or poisonous lizard species are found in Florida. Crocodiles are also. Contact OptionsArizona has no legless lizards, although a long, slender one known as the Madrean alligator lizard has tiny legs and belongs to the same family as glass lizards. Young alligators can grow back up to 9 inches of a lost tail, a study finds. Geographic distribution of the Madrean Alligator Lizard (Elgaria kingii) in Arizona. They frequently inhabit urban areas. Alligator lizards; Argentina Tegu and reptile enclosures for sale. Small prey is usually obtained by a ‘sit-and-wait’ method, whereby. The temperature should drop to around 50-72 °F at night. a potentially dangerous animal attaining a maximum length of about 4. Aside from desert. Panamint Alligator Lizard. They're Lovers, not Cannibals! Our wet winter across the western U. S. However, if a Southern alligator lizard is accidentally ingested by a cat or dog, this can lead to temporary gastrointestinal issues, so consulting with a qualified vet is recommended. Including tail, it can reach a foot in length (30 cm). Green Highland Racer 3. Young tegus begin life primarily as carnivores, mostly eating crickets, worms, roaches, and other insects. Alligators Have A “U-Shaped”, Crocodiles Have A “V-Shaped” Snout. Washington is home to a variety of amphibians (salamanders, frogs, and toads) and reptiles (turtles, lizards, and snakes). As a diurnal species, the Madrean alligator lizard is active during the day. The Northern alligator lizard population is also vulnerable to predation from domestic. and are an invasive species in the Florida Everglades. Western alligator lizards are predators, and their diet consists mostly of small mammals such as mice and rats. Example: when you go to close to a blue belly lizard, they run away fast. The Northern Alligator Lizard is named because it almost has a body that resembles an alligator. 3 5/8 - 6 inches long from snout to vent (9. Texas alligator lizards have long bodies with checkered scales and tiny legs. The snakes, coyotes, bobcats, and hawks are among the predators. It can be found. All species of skinks share the same bright skin feature, which is why many assume they are poisonous. Large, diurnal, rock-dwelling desert lizards with large heads and a dark collar around the neck. Larger crocodiles tend to eat larger prey items, however the average size of prey for all Freshwater Crocodiles is generally small (mostly less than 2cm²). Frilled lizards are the only species with a frill. 5 mile) California Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata) This subspecies is endemic to California, ranging along the coast from Humbolt to Ventura county, and extending inland in the northern part of the range. Nile monitors are olive green to black in color and have cream-colored or yellow stripes on the jaw and head. From Baja California to British Columbia, we need your help to study their mating behavior. when you come close to a alligator lizard they calmly walk away. Elgaria coerulea; Identifying Characteristics: 2. The Western Fence Lizard, a spiny lizard species with sharply pointed scales, is a member of the Spiny Lizard family. The good news is death from a snake bite or lizard bite is rare. multicarinata) has red blotches on. Nile crocodiles are one of the most dangerous reptiles in the world, and new evidence shows this species may even be found in the U. Additionally, monitor lizards have the potential to inflict. The others are species of Mexican beaded lizards that are found in Guatemala and Mexico. Lizards and Skinks. Facts about the most dangerous animals: Alligators, sharks, panthers, snakes, spiders. Both the alligator and crocodile are not creatures you should approach or antagonize. These lizards play a crucial role in desert pest control, helping keep these ecosystems balanced. Tropical House Gecko ( Hemidactylus mabouia) Many people in the Caribbean Islands consider these little. Crocodiles are more dangerous than alligators because they are bigger, stronger, and more aggressive. Paul Edmondson (author) from Burlingame, CA on June 18, 2017: I hold them all the time. Siamese Crocodile. Description : Size: E. Females measure approximately 8. Photo by Envato Elements. Sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus gracious) The sagebrush lizard is small yet adaptable with a wide. 53 inches to 10 feet in size. Enjoy this expertly researched article on the Skink Lizard, including where Skink Lizard s live, what they eat & much more. 2 Vipers (family Viperidae) 2. Despite their ability to hiss and rear, Burton’s Legless Lizards are not dangerous to humans. Other states currently have little or no legislation on these reptiles, but that might well change in the future. They resemble snakes to some extent. They have a four-chambered heart, unlike the three-chambered heart found in most reptilians, closely resembling that of a human heart. They’ll attack you if they feel threatened. When caught in their grasp, it’s nearly impossible to fight back against a crocodile. When the temperature dips to uncomfortable levels, the reptiles go dormant. The lizard’s tail can be detached as a mechanism to escape, and it is eventually regrown. A bite from a lizard can be painful, but for the most part, it is not dangerous. They love to bask in the sun and hang out in yards and gardens in the warm months. They are harmless bur can be aggressive and will bite. Pleurodont dentition is found in many lizards, like monitor lizards, iguanas and snakes. . What Are Alligator Lizards? / Alligators / By Aubrey Sawyer Alligator lizards are fascinating creatures that are often overlooked in the world of reptiles. October 2023. They are fascinating reptiles that play a vital role in their ecosystems. Despite their intimidating name and appearance, alligator lizards are not considered dangerous to humans. Different types of lizards need different amounts of water. Alligator lizards are found from southern British Columbia and the northwestern United States through Mexico and. com. The types of lizards that people most commonly eat. Are Skink Lizards Dangerous? There are no poisonous skinks. They are saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus), and they hold the record for the most bites. The vast majority of. And while they are known to hunt down zebras or gazelles sometimes they aren’t as lucky and will feast on smaller animals. The Mexican alligator lizard, also known as Abronia Graminea, is an endangered species mostly found in Puebla, Veracruz, and Oaxaca. 2 feet. Are Alligator Lizards Harmful? No, alligator lizards are not harmful. 75 inchesThe University of Florida's Croc Docs regularly handle crocodiles and alligators, but Frank Mazzotti says it's not as dangerous as you might think. Birds, rodents and other lizards are part of what a tegu would eat in the wild. 0 / Glenn Bartolotti / wikimedia commons. Various suggestions for removing Gila monsters include the. Alligator lizards are diurnal, which means they are most active during the day. It was a gift to an American zoologist in 1928 and was briefly on. Generally speaking, alligator dreams tend to relate to one of two themes: biting criticism, and having a thick skin. While alligator lizards are harmless, there are three types of poisonous lizards to be aware of in the southwestern United States and Mexico: the Gila monster, the Mexican beaded lizard, and the Western diamondback rattlesnake. The 16 lizards in Alabama that you may come across include: 1. In contrast to their common name, they are not closely related to alligators and are in fact a generally harmless lizard. The states with the most alligators are Louisiana and Florida, each with about one million wild alligators. Most of their scales are smooth and shiny with a gray and brown colored body. (such as their teeth or claws) are the obvious considerations. ) snout to vent length and 254mm (10 in. Arachnophobes beware! The black widow spider is everyone’s worst nightmare. Settle down everybody. The first is the shape of the snout. The Madrean alligator lizard has armor-like scales and a fold in the skin that runs the length of their body, which may allow the relatively. 6 meters) long and can weigh up to 1,000 pounds (450 kg). Nassau County Emergency Services officers ended up removing three Gila monsters, which are venomous lizards, one alligator, two crocodile-like lizards known as Caimans and five bearded lizards. An alligator's brain weighs only 8 or 9 grams and would take up only one-half of a tablespoon. Alligator lizards tend to feed on other lizards that are close to or greater than their own size. Anoles hatch at about 3/4-1 inch (25 mm), and grow to about 5-6 inches (127-152. Identifying Alligator Lizards in California. There are many different species of alligator lizard, and they vary in size, color, and patterns. kingii was found on the basis of allozymes (Good 1988) to be the Panamint Alligator Lizard ( E. All 185. 1. A reduced digit count and reduced limb size is, however, present in the obscure taxa . Common in: Southern California. Various suggestions for removing Gila monsters include the. This is in a large part due to their great size, reaching up to 3 meters in length and 70 kg in weight. Squamata reptiles have either pleurodont teeth or acrodont teeth, unlike the thecodont teeth found in mammals, crocodiles, and dinosaurs. Anoles, spiny lizards, and alligator lizards are among the most commonly encountered in the state. Five species of Viperidae, the poisonous family of snakes with the characteristic heat-sensitive pit between the eye and nostril on either side of a wide head, are found in North Carolina. They are not territorial and have a home range of 1 to 2 acres. Southern California’s alligator lizards eat the arachnids with abandon, and seem to have evolved immunity to their toxins. $400 (Negotiable) Latest Listings Featured. ∙ 13y ago. Are people dangerous to lizards? Lizards can be dangerous depending on if it has a poisonous sack. Crocodiles and alligators are large, predatory reptiles that pose a significant threat to humans. Scientists think a major reason why crocodiles lay so many eggs is due to the infant mortality rate of the animals. A basking spot of approximately 78-82 °F is necessary for the lizard to metabolize calcium and warm its body. SDZWA Library Links. Five species of shark live in the waters around Jamaica. The Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard in the world. Western alligator lizards are predators, and their diet consists mostly of small mammals such as mice and rats. Both animals are known to be aggressive, and attacks on humans are not uncommon. The North American west coast is home to the northern alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea), a medium-sized lizard species belonging to the Anguidae family. Above Image: A pair of mating southern alligator lizards observed by Jacob, Oscar (age 5), and Mae (age 4) org/observations/73385631 in their front yard in the Valley Village neighborhood of Los Angeles on April 7, 2021. The cloaca allows the lizard to defecate and remove uric acid from the body. The reason why lizard poo has such an easily identifiable look is because of the unique way these reptiles expel. Dehydration. A frilled lizard also goes by the names frilled-neck lizard, frilled dragon, and frilled agama. Shake the mixture well and spray it in the corners of your home, and outside, along access points like doors and windows. Working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. It has a round thick body with small legs and a long somewhat prehensile tail that can be twice as long as the lizard's body. 5 inch lizard with a long body and small limbs, with a long and thick tail. Example: when you go to close to a blue belly lizard, they run away fast. And as the state has seen a recent population boom since 2020. 30. Lizards vs Crocodiles (Video) Venemous; Common Diseases; Dangers Of Ownership; Physical Traits. The specific name, kingii, is in honor of Phillip Parker King, an Australian-born Royal Navy officer who surveyed the coast of South America. If you know or suspect that your pet ate a toxic or parasite-carrying variety of lizard or toad, contact your vet immediately. Size Crocodiles are 14 to 17 feet on average. The spider is quickly devoured, her venom useless against the resistant lizard. Crocodiles ( family Crocodylidae) or true crocodiles are large semiaquatic reptiles that live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia. Most galliwasps are robust-bodied lizards with normally proportioned, complete limbs. coerulea includes crickets, slugs, beetles, spiders, and moths, but it will also take larger prey, such as small lizards, and will even eat small baby mice if given the opportunity. Bites from crocodiles or alligators are usually fatal. 3 in). This was a freshwater crocodile, the far less dangerous and smaller cousin of the saltwater crocodile. Top 5 Most Dangerous Lizards In The World. multicarinata) has red blotches on. The name "alligator" is likely an anglicized form of el lagarto, the Spanish term for "the lizard",. Diet The typical diet of E. Sierra Alligator Lizard (E. The species is endemic to the southwestern United States and adjacent northwestern Mexico. An alligator, or colloquially gator,. They are native to certain areas of Mexico. Alligators are black or gray on top with a cream-colored underside, possess a U-shaped snout, and are smaller and timider than crocodiles.