The American alligator (Alligator Mississippiensis) tend to inhabit coastal areas of the southeastern United States. Although once listed as a endangered species, American alligators have recovered and are common in many areas of the Southeast. The Alligator Mississippiensis is still federally listed as threatened because it looks like the American crocodile, which remains endangered.

Alligators are long-lived animals who can live to be over 60 years old. Alligators are “cold-blooded,” meaning that they are ectothermic animals that cannot regulate their own body temperature, but assume the temperatures of their surrounding environment. To warm themselves, alligators bask in the sun, which is when they are frequently observed on the banks during this time of year. On hot summer days they can sometimes be seen basking with their mouths open. This cools them down, sort of like a dog panting. Ecologically, alligators are important predators and create important habitat for other wildlife by digging holes that hold water during droughts.

The best way to view Alligators in the wild is by airboat. Airboats are specially designed and perfectly suited to travel through the kind of shallow water and other terrain where alligators thrive. Airboat Wilderness Rides is the oldest and still the best airboat tour provider on the Treasure Coast. If you want to see alligators for yourself, give us a call at 772 589 3278 to schedule your alligator spotting tour with Airboat Wilderness Rides in Vero Beach.