Description: American Crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) are large, lizard-like creatures of salt water. The skin is leathery (not scaly like lizards), the jaws are long, narrow, and powerful, and the tail is laterally flattened, which facilitates swimming. Crocodiles have a long, narrow head and snout, while American Alligators have a broad head and and a short, wide snout. Also, crocodiles tend to be gray, while alligators are blackish.

Taxonomy: Class: Reptilia; Order: Crocodylia; Family: Crocodylidae.

Diet: Primarily fish (especially mullet in Florida), but also anything else they can catch (e.g., birds, mammals, turtles, and crabs).

Habitat: Primarily coastal areas (mangrove swamps) and rivers with brackish waters.

Where to Find: Don't look for American Crocodiles around Las Vegas. Rather, look for them in coastal areas along the Pacific Coast of Mexico and northern South America, throughout Central America, and throughout the Caribbean. In the US, look for crocs in southern Florida, especially in Everglades National Park.