How to Identify Alligator in Wyoming

American alligators have long, flattened bodies with rough, bumpy skin. Adults grow 10 to 13 feet on average, though some reach 16 feet. Their color is dark gray or greenish-brown, with a lighter belly. Alligators have a V-shaped snout (compared to crocodiles, which have a more U-shaped snout). Their jaw closes with the large fourth tooth on the lower jaw fitting into a socket on the upper jaw and being hidden when the mouth shuts. Their eyes, ears, and nostrils sit high on the head, allowing them to remain mostly submerged in water.

The main difference is snout shape: alligators have a wider, V-shaped snout, while crocodiles have a narrower, V-shaped snout with a more pointed tip. When an alligator's mouth is closed, its large teeth are hidden. When a crocodile closes its mouth, the fourth tooth on the lower jaw remains visible. Alligators are also more common in freshwater habitats, while crocodiles tolerate saltwater. Crocodiles are rarely found in the United States outside of southern Florida, and they are much more aggressive than alligators. You will not encounter a crocodile in Wyoming.

Alligators appear dark gray, greenish-gray, or olive-brown in the water. Young alligators have darker stripes and spots, which fade as they grow larger. Older, larger alligators tend to look darker and more uniform. The color varies based on the water they inhabit and how much algae or tannins stain their skin. In muddy water, alligators may appear almost black. In clear water, you may see more of their actual skin texture.

Alligators are cold-blooded reptiles that cannot regulate their body temperature. Wyoming's winters drop well below freezing, which would kill any alligator. Most alligator populations are in Florida, Louisiana, and other southeastern states with warm, humid climates year-round. Additionally, Wyoming is at high elevation with relatively cold streams and lakes. The only wetlands in Wyoming that might theoretically support alligators are ponds in the warmest lowland areas during summer, but freezing is inevitable in winter. Alligators also require shallow, freshwater swamps and marshes, which are not abundant in Wyoming.

It is extremely unlikely but theoretically possible. A very small number of escaped or illegally released pet alligators might turn up in warm ponds or aquatic facilities during summer. However, such animals would not survive the winter and would quickly die or be captured by wildlife officials. Wyoming game wardens keep track of any unusual reptile sightings. The trunk page references a few odd occurrences or visitor confusion, but these are rare exceptions, not proof that alligators actually inhabit Wyoming.

If you are in a region where alligators do occur, look for these identification markers. The head shape is long and broad, with eyes on the top that glow red in flashlight beams at night. The back is covered in thick, raised ridges running down the spine. The tail is powerful and flat from side to side, used for swimming and defense. The feet have five toes on the front feet and four on the rear feet. Juveniles are small and often striped or spotted, while adults become uniformly dark and grow to impressive size.

Female alligators typically max out around 9 to 10 feet. Males grow larger and average 11 to 13 feet. The largest wild alligators on record have reached 16 to 18 feet, though such giants are rare. Alligators grow throughout their lifetime, but growth slows significantly after about 30 years. An alligator that is 10 feet long is likely middle-aged. Larger alligators are older and more experienced hunters. In the very rare event you encounter an alligator, remember that size indicates power and should increase your caution.

Alligators make low-frequency bellowing sounds, especially during breeding season from April to June. These calls sound like distant thunder or a loud grunt. Males bellow to attract females and defend territory. Younger alligators chirp and hiss. At night, you may hear alligators splashing, hissing, or making loud rumbling vocalizations if you are in a state like Florida near a swamp or lake. These sounds carry surprisingly far across water. Hearing alligator vocalizations is a clear sign you are in alligator habitat, which is not a concern in Wyoming.

Alligator tracks are distinctive: front feet show five toes, rear feet show four toes. The imprints are not as deep as those of larger animals because alligators spread their weight across a low, sprawling body. On muddy banks or sandy areas near water, you may see a winding tail drag mark running between the front and rear footprints. A trail made by a large alligator can be 2 feet wide or more, showing a clear drag pattern down the center. Hatchlings and juveniles leave tiny, delicate prints. You will not find these tracks in Wyoming wetlands.