It happened again last night. John and Crosley were working on a Program in the park when someone referred to Crosley as an alligator.
“Splut an’ Blather!” Crosley said. “We’ve go to educate people so they stop making that mistake!”
Crosley and John abandoned the program and sat right down and made this list for you, so you will always know (and never forget) the many differences between alligators and crocodiles.
- It’s all in the snout. Do you notice Crosley’s long, v-shaped snout? It’s longer than the wider, u-shaped snout of an alligator.
- And the teeth. When alligators smile, you’ll see only their top teeth. That’s because they have an overbite. When Crosley, Crenwinkle, and other crocs smile, you’ll see their top and bottom teeth.
- Color. Crosley is famously red, but most crocodiles are olive green or tan. Alligators are usually gray or black.
- Size. Crocodiles are often larger than gators. Adult male crocodiles can be up to 20 feet long, though most are closer to 14 feet. Grown male alligators can get as long as 13 to 15 feet. (Crosley is shy about stating his length and weight.)
- Location. Location. Location. Alligators prefer to live in freshwater, while crocodiles prefer saltwater. According to USA Today, south Florida is the only place in the United States where you’ll find BOTH alligators and Crocodiles.
So, if you’re wandering your neighborhood and you’re not near Miami and you see a large reptile with a Whatchamacallit, it is a C-R-O-C-O-D-I-L-E.