Crocodile and Alligator Welfare (how to help)

Betsy Siber

They may look super-scary, but like all creatures, crocodiles and alligators have huge importance to play in world ecosystems.

Although crocodiles have the strongest bite of any creature, they are not greedy and only eat when they have to (they even little plover birds peck the bits of food from their teeth, as natural toothbrushes).

These prehistoric predators have been around for over 200 million years, and are excellent mothers, caring for their young better than some humans.

Large saltwater crocodiles can slow their heart to just 2 to 3 beats per minute, staying submerged in water for up to an hour, and despite looking ferocious, they carry hatchlings in teir mouths to water.

Because they can’t sweat, crocodiles open their mouths to ‘gap’ to release heat, they are not waiting always to eat you. They also swallow stones to help grind up food in their stomachs. The Florida Everglades is the only place on earth where they co-exist with alligators.

Alligators have a much wider snout and hidden lower teeth, and are less aggressive. They also prefer freshwater environments due to no salt glands on their tongues, and they have darker skin.

Then at autumn when this pigment disappears, leaves turn brown and orange. From pine forests to moss-covered wetlands, green life is everywhere. Wetlands are also filled with green reeds sand aquatic ecosystems.

Never buy crocodile or alligator leather

Instead, choose vegan shoes and handbags. There are many materials that mimic crocodile leather, so there’s no need at all to buy real leather.