Young alligators feed mostly on insects, snails, frogs and small fish. When they reach about six feet in length they will begin to eat larger fish, turtles, birds and small mammals. The value of alligator meat and hides led to the depletion of the reptile and the addition of their name to the Endangered Species list in 1967. The Endangered Species Act of 1973, provided protection to the alligator. The American alligator made a remarkable recovery and has since been taken off the list.
Today there are over one million alligators in Florida alone.