Is It an Alligator or a Crocodile? Here’s How to Tell the Difference

On the surface, alligators and crocodiles may appear similar. Both are seen as aggressive animals that hunt similar prey. Additionally, both typically live near water, making it hard to tell if you're spotting an alligator or a crocodile should you see one in the wild.

Despite their many similarities, both alligators and crocodiles have several differences. To begin with, while both animals may belong to the same order, they stem from two different families. According to Science Direct, the order of Crocodylia is broken down into three families. One is called Alligatoridae, which includes all the different species of alligators. Another is called Crocodylidea, which includes every species of crocodile.

Because these two animals belong to different families, each contains their own species as well. Popular alligator species include the American alligator and the Chinese alligator. Popular crocodile species include the saltwater crocodile, Nile crocodile, and American crocodile.

From their habitat to their appearance, we're breaking down how to tell the difference between these large predators. Keep in mind that should you see either one in the wild, it's best not to approach the animal to get a closer look. These contrasting characteristics should help you determine the difference from a safe distance. However, personal safety hasn't stopped many from making alligators their pet, leaving this animal as one of the most exotic pets people have ever owned.

To create this list of differences between alligators and crocodiles, 24/7 Tempo gathered information from several scientific sources. These include Britannica, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Science Focus magazine. Here are five ways to tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile.

One of the differences between alligators and crocodiles is their habitat. While both animals are adept at swimming and often found near water, alligators prefer freshwater habitats. Crocodiles, on the other hand, can tolerate many different forms of water including saltwater.

Because alligators prefer freshwater environments, these animals are often spotted in marshes, small rivers, and swamps. Additionally, alligators are more likely than crocodiles to be found in the United States. These semi-aquatic animals can be found in Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, and other southern areas in North and South Carolina and Alabama. In fact, according to World Population Review, the state with the highest alligator population is Louisiana. In 2024, it's estimated that 2 million alligators exist within the state, with about 5 million alligators across the country.

Crocodiles can live in habitats that are a mix of freshwater and saltwater. A specific species of this animal, the saltwater crocodile, can even flourish in marine environments. Additionally, crocodiles are more pronounced worldwide than alligators. They can be found in various areas across Africa, Asia, Australia, and parts of both North and South America. However, in the United States, you'll likely only find crocodiles in Florida. This small area leads to smaller numbers. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the population of adult crocs in the U.S. is about 2,000, a number that has increased since the animal was listed on the endangered species list in 1975.

One last important fact about the habitats of alligators and crocodiles is that both types of animals coexist in the Florida Everglades. This type of coexistence is unusual in other parts of the world, but the Everglades' marshy habitat creates a perfect environment for both of these semi-aquatic animals.

As mentioned, it can be difficult to tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile from a distance. But up close, it's easy to see that the two animals have a very different snout shape. Alligators have more of a U-shaped snout while crocodiles have a V-shaped snout.

Alligators' U-shaped snouts lead to a wider upper jawline. This broad snout allows the animal to hide its teeth when its mouth is closed. It also allows alligators to have a strong bite, giving them the force they need to bite through hard surfaces and prey, including turtles.

On the other hand, crocodiles' narrow V-shaped snout allows the teeth to show when their mouths are closed. It also gives them a chance to quickly catch fast prey such as fish and reptiles. Additionally, crocodiles have a strong bite. The International Fund for Animal Welfare reports that the saltwater crocodile has the strongest bite of any individual animal anywhere on Earth. Each bite is met with 16,414 newtons of force. This equates to 3,689 pounds.

Though similar in color, alligators and crocodiles do not have the same skin and scale pigmentation. Alligators tend to be darker than crocs.

In general, alligators are dark grey or blackish in outer color. Crocodiles, on the other hand, are more of a light olive or tan color. Their coloring can differ, however, depending on their environment. For example, algae can leave more of a greenish hue on the outer skin. Additionally, in southern areas of the United States where overhanging trees are present, the tannic acid from these trees can create a darker skin tone on alligators.

Alligators and crocodiles also differ in size. While both animals are large, the adult crocodile tends to be larger than adult alligators. Keep in mind that there are eight different species of alligators and 26 different species of crocodiles and each of these species can vary in size. Other factors determining size include the animal's environment, age, and food availability.

In general, crocodiles are are larger than alligators. Adult alligators can grow to between 8 and 15 feet in length. They can also weigh around a couple hundred pounds. Adult crocodiles, however, are typically 10 to 16 feet long and can weigh anywhere from 500 to 2,000 pounds, depending on the species.

One of the larger species of crocodiles, the saltwater croc, can stretch up to 20 feet or more and weigh more than 2,200 pounds. While this specific type of crocodile isn't found in the United States, it's recorded as the largest reptile on the planet according to Oceana.

Both alligators and crocodiles appear fast-moving on land when threatened or attacking their prey. However, these animals are actually much slower on land than in water. Additionally, alligators tend to be a bit quicker than crocodiles in general.

When on land, an alligator can reach a speed of up to 11 mph while crocodiles can only reach a speed of about 9 mph. Keep in mind that while this seems quick, these high speeds are more of a sprint for the animals. These reptiles aren't able to sustain such high speeds for long. To put this speed into perspective, most humans can sprint between 12 and 20 mph, according to the Marathon Handbook. With this information in mind, a human should be able to outrun either an alligator or crocodile as long as they aren't too close.

In water, however, both animals are much faster as they can use their tails to aid them in speed and agility. Alligators tend to swim up to 20 mph while most crocodile species only reach about 10 mph. The saltwater crocodile, however, can swim up to 18 mph when attacking or threatened. (For related reading, click here to see the most ridiculous times animals were on trial.)