Albert (American alligator)
Alligator mississippiensis
The American alligator is the
largest reptile in North America. The
body coloration is generally black with yellowish or cream cross bands, but
with age, the coloration fades. Alligators
when awakened or threatened let out a menacing hiss. They can grow to almost 20 feet. They live in fresh or brackish bodies of
water. They naturally occur from the
coastal areas of southern North Carolina around Florida and as far as
Texas. Their numbers were much reduced
because of the value of their hides. The
young often appear in pet stores in those states where alligators are
legal—California is not one of those states.
Albert was brought to Critter
Creek by a Fish and Game warden who was called to Madera. The young alligator was walking along the
road by the cemetery when he was discovered by some neighbors. We were asked by the department to provide
the alligator a permanent home. He has
eaten several mice a day and is already looking healthier. He will join Tick-Tock, our other American
alligator in the new enclosure set to begin construction soon. We are currently
fund raising for this project.