The hide is rough and scaled. Young alligators are black with bright yellow blotches and stripes.
Adults are a uniform dark color.
Found in both natural and man-made freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetland areas. Fun Facts 1. The alligator became the official state reptile of Florida in 1987. It is also the mascot of the University of Florida at Gainesville. Because of legal protection, alligators are no longer endangered.