Here are some key facts about alligators in Florida:

– There are around 1.2 million alligators in Florida, making it the state with the highest alligator population[1].

– The American alligator is the official state reptile of Florida[1].

– Alligators are opportunistic predators that feed on fish, snakes, turtles, and other small mammals that are easily accessible[2].

– The temperature of the nest during incubation determines the gender of alligators – below 86°F produces females, above 93°F produces males, and between 86-93°F can produce both[2][3].

– Alligators have 74-80 teeth in their jaws at any given time, and they can go through 2,000-3,000 teeth in a lifetime as old ones are replaced[3].

– Alligators continue growing as long as they live, with males reaching up to 15 feet long and females up to 9 feet[5].

– Alligators are very vocal reptiles, making sounds like growls, hisses, and bellows to attract mates, signal distress, or mark territory[3].

– During the mating season in early spring, male alligators bellow loudly, slap their heads on the water, and blow bubbles to attract females[3].

– Mother alligators fiercely protect their nest of 20-50 eggs and carry the hatchlings to water in their mouths after 65 days of incubation[4].

– Florida is the only place on Earth where alligators and crocodiles naturally coexist, with the main difference being alligators have a broader, U-shaped snout[2][4][5].

Citations:
[1] https://www.florida-alligator.com/General-Information/Alligator-Facts
[2] https://blog.wildfloridairboats.com/5-facts-about-alligators-in-florida-that-surprise-people-the-most
[3] https://swampfeverairboatadventures.com/gator-facts/
[4] https://www.smugglersgolf.com/blog/7-fun-facts-about-florida-alligators
[5] https://www.evergladesholidaypark.com/blog/alligator-fun-facts/