One of the largest reptiles to ever exist was the ichthyosaur, a marine reptile that lived over 100 million years ago and grew 85 feet long, about the size of a blue whale. While we no longer have dinosaur-sized reptiles roaming our seas or land in modern times, Earth is still home to some pretty big scaley creatures. Today, the largest reptile still alive is the saltwater crocodile, which can grow up to 20 feet long. They are primarily found in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. But what about the biggest reptiles in North America? Discover the five largest reptiles still living in the United States and find out where they roam and just how big they get.
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1. American Crocodile – 20 Feet
The American crocodile is lizard-like in shape, only much bigger. These reptiles can grow to 14 feet long in the wild. However, some reports suggest they can reach lengths of 20 feet. They can also weigh up to 2,000 pounds, although most don’t exceed 1,100 pounds. You can distinguish American crocodiles from American alligators by their body and snout. The crocodile has a slenderer build and a tapered snout. And when its mouth is closed, you can see the gator’s fourth tooth in its lower jaw. These reptiles will eat anything they can overpower, but they prefer fish, birds, turtles, snakes, and small mammals. In the U.S., you’ll only find the American crocodile in Southern Florida in brackish or saltwater along the coast. They live in ponds, mangrove swamps, and coves.
2. American Alligator – 16 Feet
The American alligator is a large crocodilian native to the United States. These reptiles measure between 8 and 11 feet, on average. But some can grow up to 16 feet. And the largest of the bunch weighs nearly 1,000 pounds! They are more robust than the crocodile, featuring a thicker build. However, they eat a diet similar to the croc’s, including amphibians, fish, birds, and mammals. They, too, will occasionally overpower larger animals. You will only find American alligators in the Southeastern United States, from Texas to North Carolina and down to Florida. They live primarily in freshwater, such as slow-moving rivers, marshes, swamps, and lakes.
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3. Eastern Indigo Snake – 8.5 Feet
The eastern indigo snake is the largest snake in the United States, reaching lengths up to 8.5 feet. But the average eastern indigo measures between 5 and 7 feet long. Thankfully, this species is nonvenomous and does not pose a threat to humans or pets. Apart from their immense size, you may recognize these snakes by their smooth scales and glossy black color. They also feature red or cream accents near the cheek and throat. The eastern indigo snake is native to the Southeastern United States, where they primarily live throughout Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. You can find them in many habitats, such as flatwoods, rock lands, dray prairies, and the edges of freshwater marshes.
4. Leatherback Sea Turtle – 7 Feet
The giant leatherback sea turtle is the largest turtle in the world. Named for their rubbery skin, these turtles lack scales and hard shells. And they have existed on our planet since dinosaurs roamed the earth. While it may be hard to imagine a turtle growing to enormous proportions, this species defies the odds. Leatherback turtles average 5 to 6 feet long, with some growing up to 7 feet! And they weigh between 750 and 1,000 pounds. These turtles live in U.S. waters in the Northwest Atlantic and the Pacific. And they nest in Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Unfortunately, leatherback turtles are endangered, and their population has declined at least 40 percent over the last three generations.
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5. Loggerhead Sea Turtle – 3.5 Feet
While the loggerhead sea turtle may seem much smaller in comparison to the others on the list, they are still very large when compared to other turtles. Loggerheads measure between 2.5 and 3.5 feet, on average. And while they typically weigh 200 to 300 pounds, some have been found to weigh more than 1,000 pounds. Loggerheads are the most abundant nesting sea turtle species in the United States, where they are predominantly found along the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico. You will find them in Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina.
NOTE – This article was originally published in a-z-animals and can be viewed here
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