Alligator & Crocodile Fossils

Alligators and Crocodiles are the ultimate survivors. Their ancient ancestors were some of the largest animals to survive the great extinction which killed the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period. Key to their survival is their generalized feeding habit, eating a broad range of smaller animals.

Alligators and Crocodiles lived in Florida throughout the Pleistocene Epoch, commonly known as the Ice-Age, between 10,000 and 1.8 million years ago. Florida was relatively warm without sub-freezing temperatures throughout this time although global temperatures were noticeably colder.

Today Alligator and Crocodile teeth and other fossils are commonly found in all areas of Florida. Some fossil alligator teeth and bones must have come from much larger individuals than are found today. Scientists estimate that they may have reached lengths of 20 feet or more during the Pleistocene.