If you’re lucky (or unlucky) enough to find yourself face to face with a crocodile or an alligator, they might look the same with their toothy grins and rough, bumpy skin. However, if you look closely enough, you’ll notice their snouts are not identical. Alligators have wider, U-shaped snouts, while crocodiles have a more pointed, V-shaped snout. Although they are different, they are both able to use their long snouts to hold onto prey. It makes ripping larger bites out of food easier and provides them with a greater advantage when hunting. 

Both crocodiles and alligators have large, knife-like teeth that are easily seen from the side; however, only the top teeth are visible in an alligator because their upper jaws are wider than their lower jaws, making their bottom teeth disappear when their mouths are closed. It’s just the opposite with crocodiles! Their upper and lower jaws are about the same width, so their jaws seem to interlock giving off a toothy grin when their mouths are shut. 

Similar to other animals, different species of crocodilians have varying temperaments. Despite their intimidating looks, alligators tend to be more passive and generally only attack when they feel provoked. On the contrary, crocodiles are more aggressive and will attack anything and everything in their way… including humans. (This may have played a role in our decision to open an alligator farm – not a crocodile farm.)

Here’s your invitation to see these differences firsthand! Take a stroll through the swamp along the boardwalk, and then stick around for a real treat with our daily live feedings at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. You’re sure to make some memories you will never forget!

Sometimes, our big guys wake up on the wrong side of the swamp, usually on a Monday (relatable, right?)! When this happens, they tend to give us some attitude first thing in the morning. But no worries, because guess what’s next?

LUNCH TIME! If you’ve ever been to our live feedings, you’ll recognize the expression below. One look at these alligators and we know what they want – food. Don’t worry, we keep our fellas well fed and HAPPY. In fact, you can catch one of three meal times every day at 11, 1 and 4.

Speaking of happy, here’s a nice photo of Prince Eric sporting his weekend hat! If you catch this guy during your next visit to the swamp, give him a shout out. Fashionistas always love when their style is appreciated.

On your next adventure to Alligator Alley, snap a few photos of our alligators and be sure to use our hashtag, #AlligatorAlleyAdventure, when posting to Facebook. Also, follow us on Instagram and say “hi” to our scaly friends in the comments section. They’re big fans of feedback.

Our feedings are at 11, 1 and 4 every day and typically last anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes (depending on how hungry these guys are!). We usually go through about 200 pounds of pig per day to feed our growing fellas. Check out the clip below from a 4-o’clock feeding to see what’s in store for your first live feeding visit!

Don’t forget – we host field trips and birthday parties, too! For more information, check out our hours and pricing or give us a call at 251-946-2483.

While alligators are most energetic when the temps sit between 82- and 92-degrees Fahrenheit, our little pals get eager when they see friendly faces touring the farm! Throughout the next several months, we’ll begin seeing more and more alligators break free from their camouflage and lounge in the sun with their friends.

If you’ve been waiting all winter to come back for a visit to Alligator Alley, mark your calendar for Friday, February 8! We’ll be open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. for you and your family to start a guided adventure to visit with our alligators. As you take in the view on your nature walk, continue your adventure along the elevated boardwalk to see alligators in their natural habitat along with other swamp inhabitants such as turtles, ospreys, owls and bull frogs only a couple feet away!

For more details about pricing or hours, visit our website. For those interested in the return of our live feeding times, they will return in early March! STAY TUNED, FOLKS!

Pickles is a 6-year-old alligator weighing in at about 80 pounds and measuring 5 feet long. But don’t think for a second that he’s not one to fight – this alligator talks the talk and walks the walk. For now, he remains the most popular of the alligators because of his vibrant style choices and friendly attitude (most of the time).

Now, it’s time for you to really get to know the real Pickles.

Q: Pickles, what’s the deal with the green nail polish? Where does your distinctive style come from?

A: Growing up around all these alligators, I had to find a way to stand out in the crowd! Also, green is a lucky color and complements my skin tone.

Q: What’s your favorite outfit you’ve strutted around been over the past years?

A: Hmm…I’d have to say my Santa Claus costume or maybe my sweet tux!

Q: What’s your favorite part of Alligator Alley?

A: I like to swim around and make friends! We even play games of Marco Polo in the swamp.

Q: How did you earn the name “Pickles”?

A: Because I LOVE to eat Pickles! When I was just a baby, I stole a cheeseburger and ate the pickles off of it. Ever since, I’ve been hooked! Pickles and chow together make for the most delicious combo.

Pickles had to leave our interview for an important photo opportunity in his Halloween costume, but he will answer any fan mail you might have. Just send him or any of the other alligators your questions at info@gatoralleyfarm.com and we’ll add you to our newsletter to receive updates on what’s happening around the farm! By the way, Pickles has his own Facebook page– check him out!

We are currently open every day except Wednesdays, but our hours are changing for the holidays. Be sure to stop by and spot Pickles munching on his favorite snack!

Alligator Alley is a unique learning adventure for all ages. We have special opportunities for the kiddos and teachers to witness alligator feedings, hold baby alligators and enjoy a tour along our boardwalk. Witness more than 600 alligators – from hatchlings to mature adults – in their natural habitat, all while viewing turtles, ospreys, owls and frogs just a few feet away. It’s the perfect place to relish in the outdoors and get out of the classroom for a hands-on learning experience you will never forget!

During your field trip, you can stop by the air-conditioned alligator station to get your hands on a baby alligator. Our expert staff members are always nearby to chat and answer questions about each animal. If you want to get your heart pumping, be sure to hang around for the live feedings that happen every day during peak season at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. After all the excitement, you can enjoy your lunch at the shaded picnic tables right across from the viewing area.

Field trip prices are set at special rates and teachers and bus drivers have free admission! Visitors also have the option to buy alligator chow to feed the alligators while walking the boardwalk and taking in the wildlife.

If you’re a teacher looking for a fun, out-of-the-box field trip for your class – you’ve found it! Start your school year off the right way, with a field trip to Alligator Alley! To book a day at the farm, call 251-946-2483 or drop us a line. Don’t forget to hang out with us on Facebook and Instagram and share your fun adventures. #AlligatorAlleyAdventure

ALLIGATOR PROFILE:

Captain Crunch

Age: late 30s

Length: 13’ 2”

Weight: 800+ pounds

Fun Fact: Captain Crunch isn’t sweet like the cereal – he’ll bite back. Keep your distance from this guy, especially during feeding time.

Best known for: His world record for bite strength of 2,982 pounds. Ouch!

Big Moe

Age: late 30s

Weight: 750 pounds

Fun Fact: Not only is Moe big, but he’s blind in one eye. He doesn’t let that stop him from jumping really high out of the water. Watch out for Big Moe and his scare tactics.

Best known for: His bubbly personality.

Pickles

Age: 6 years old

Weight: 60 pounds

Fun Fact: Pickles is the most well-known among the young alligators. You can spot him sporting green toenails on the weekend.

Best known for: Having his very own Facebook page. Give him a follow!

Prince Eric

Age: late 30s

Weight: 700 pounds

Fun Fact: Prince Eric won’t just eat anything that’s thrown his way. His elevated palate is how he earned his name. #diva

Best known for: His royalty. All hail Prince Eric.

The Colonel

Age: mid 40s

Weight: 900-1000 pounds (Our scale tops out at 899.)

Fun Fact: The Colonel is the largest alligator on the farm, and also the laziest.

Best known for: Knocking heads and taking names. Look out.

Now that you know a little bit more about these fellas, do you think you can spot them on your next visit to the swamp? Put yourself to the test and tag us on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #AlligatorProfile and include your guess along with a photo of one of our guys! Remember, we’re open seven days a week, 10-5 and have live feedings everyday at 11, 1 and 4. Tune in on Facebook soon!