Crocodiles and Alligators Are Nice

                 I used to think crocodiles and alligators were mean creatures. But when I got to know them, I liked them. When I learned how they took care of their eggs, I realized that they're not mean. A croc or gators first picks a spot in the ground to lay her eggs. Then, she digs a hole to lay the eggs. The next step is to bury the eggs in the hole. Why bury the eggs? Because if it is 105F on the surface it is nice and warm underground. If the temperature is 93F (34C) underground all the babies become boys. If the temperature is 86F (30C) underground all the babies grow into girls.
                 When a croc or gator protects her eggs they will stay on guard for 90 days both night and day. Sometimes the sun will get to hot so the mom will have to take a quick swim to cool down. But when the croc or gator mom goes for a quick swim the eggs are vulnerable. So she returns to the eggs as soon as possible. You may have heard that crocs and gators like to eat lots of animals. But actually lots of animals try to get croc or gator eggs like lizards, badgers and baboons. And usually only half of her eggs survive all those predators, so their mothers guard them with their life.
                   Sometimes turtles sneak up on a croc or gator nest. But they don't come to eat eggs, they come to lay eggs. Turtles know how good crocs and gators protect their eggs. So if they lay their eggs in a croc or gators nest they will have good protection. But the turtle must hurry before the croc or gator mom gets back to the nest. Because they mess with anyone near their nest.
                   When the first baby hatches, it will make a sound that will his other siblings and baby turtles, "Come out of your egg everyone!" Once every one is out the sound will then say, "Mom! We're here!" First then their will take every one out of the nest, even the baby turtles. Next she will gather every baby into her mouth but not eat them. Just pick them up, she knows that her teeth are very sharp so she is extremely careful. She will even tack the baby turtels. Then take every one to the water and protect  her babies for a long time.
                    So crocs and gators are very nice. SO you can't just judge an animal by how it looks.

Crocodile or Alligator?

          Take a look at these two pictures:

Which is a crocodile and which is an alligator?  Can't tell? Here is the answer: Crocodiles are greenish-brownish. Alligators are blueish-greenish. Crocodiles have pointy V shaped snouts. Alligators have round U shaped snouts. When a crocodile has his mouth closed you can see his bottom teeth. But when an alligator has his mouth closed, you can't see his bottom teeth.

           Now you can tell the difference. But why are they different species? Don't worry I know. Gators have bigger U shaped snouts because they hunt mammals that come to get a drink. So they need a bigger snout. Crocs have V shaped snouts so they can turn their heads faster to catch fish. Gators sometimes go on land so they have their legs under them. Croc legs stick out to the side. When you have your legs under you.(like you and me) It makes you good on land. Crocs live in bodies of water near the ocean. I heard that sometimes crocs meet with a tiger shark. So crocs are tougher then gators because they live in a tougher environment.

            Now you know how and why they are different. Stay tuned to for Crocodiles and Alligators are nice.