Inhabits wetlands on the southeast United States. Specifically they are found in: the lower Atlantic coastal plain including parts of North Carolina and extending southward to Big Pine Key in Florida; the gulf coastal plain westward to the Rio Grande River and possibly northeastern Mexico; and the Mississippi River drainage northward into Arkansas and the extreme southeastern part of Oklahoma.

Eggs are collected from nests in breeding pens. Courtship and breeding occurs in May. Females reach maturity at 1.8 meters. This is usually at age 9 years. A clutch may contain as many as 58 eggs. They will hatch in about 64 days in the wild. Sex of the hatchlings is determined by temperature within the nest. Higher temperatures result in more males.

Growth of alligators is sporadic in the wild. Growth is completely dependent on temperature as alligators sometimes cease feeding at temperatures below 72F.

The advancement of controlled environmental chamber culture has made alligator farming an economically sound business. Survival rates to the end of the third year average 95%. Growout sheds must maintain a minimum year round temperature of 85F. Several farmers incorporate the stacked tray design into their growout facility.

Joanen, T.and L.McNease. Alligator Farm Designs in Louisiana. 1990. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Grand Chenier, Louisiana.