In the 1970's, federal laws ended the illegal poaching and selling of alligators. The alligators made a big comeback and in 1977 they were put on the Threatened Species List. Alligators are still being used as meat and clothing, but Florida homes over 1,000,000 alligators now. A crocodile's skull and jaw are narrower than the alligator's. When an alligator shuts its mouth, it has less teeth showing than a crocodile.
Crocodiles live in salt water while alligators live in fresh water.
Crocodiles are very shy. On the other hand alligators are not as shy because they are used to humans. They rarely ever attack people. They only do so when guarding their nest. Back to top Adapting to its environment Alligators are adapted especially for the water.