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The Alligator's Life History

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The author was born and lived on Avery Island, Louisiana, a place with an abundance of alligators. He has observed them all his life. This book tells of his experiences. The Spanish settler on the Gulf Coast called them "el largato" (lizard), and this was changed by English settlers to "alligator". Chapter 1 provides a physical description of these reptiles, and the enormous power of their jaws. The author contrasts his observations to published information (pp. 20-23). Chapter 2 tells about the habitat of alligators. They dig holes underwater for safety, and to spend the cold winter months. This makes the grass around it greener. Alligators can make trails between water holes, and often travel locally. Alligators mostly feed during warm weather, April to October (Chapter 3). They feed on every living thing they can catch. The extermination of alligators led to a great increase in garfish, muskrats, ducks, water snakes, and turtles. Deer and dogs can be killed when they drink from water; cattle when they walk through marshes. Hogs can not be raised anywhere near alligators.

Chapter 4 tells of their rates of growth, and size. Hunting alligators for their hides has destroyed large numbers. New teeth form inside old teeth and replace them (Chapter 5). Full grown alligators have teeth that are almost solid. Chapter 6 describes the limited vocal ability of alligators. Except for man, alligators have no enemies once they grow to about 3 to 4 feet long (Chapter 7). The author explains why they have acute hearing and sight (p.85). Protecting alligators resulted in destroying great numbers of muskrats (p.86).

Chapter 8 tells of the variations in size and location of alligator nests. Fully grown females will often use the same location year after year. The author describes his observations of nest building. The flesh of the tail of young alligators is excellent (p.90), resembling meat rather than fish. Chapter 9 describes the incubation and growth of baby alligators. Alligator eggs take about 63 days to hatch, longer in cooler weather. Grass or leaves of other organic matter give off heat as they decompose. Page 113 explains why alligators grow much more rapidly in the wild where the food supply is unlimited. This chapter ends with a plea to protect alligators so their number can be increased to where it was in the late 19th century. [To what end?]

If you're interested in the natural History of the American Alligator, this book is a must have! Although written in 1935, experts agree that with only a few exceptions, the information is still as viable today as it was the day it was written.

McIlhenny (as in McIlhenny Tabasco) grew up observing and documenting alligator behavior, growth rates, diets, breeding and nesting behavior are all documented in this easy reading book.

If you've got an interest, buy it, you won't be disappointed.

As a wildlife biologist I have read a lot of life history books. I love 'em because I love nature. Hands down.....this is the most fascinating life history book I have read. Could not put it down until I finished it. Then went through it again within a few days.........and I am a slow reader. I know that all alligator biologists and alligator researchers know about this one and have it on their shelf......or will be reluctant to admit that they don't.