The Saltwater Crocodile is a wonderful apex predator.
Crocodiles and alligators are reptiles from the same order of animals, named Crocodylia. The order Crocodylia emerged about 83.5 million years ago in the Late Cretaceous period. Many people get the two species confused because they look similar to an untrained eye.
But there is an easy way to tell them apart. Look at the head and the snout. Crocodiles have a longer, more v-shaped head than alligators, who have shorter, wider heads that are u-shaped in comparison. Also, the fourth tooth of a crocodile is visible when its mouth is closed.
Crocodiles also tend to favour saltwater environments, while alligators prefer fresh water. Another difference – one that you should not explore – is that crocodiles are more aggressive than alligators.
Short answer: Look at the head of the animal and determine its shape. Also, look for an exposed fourth tooth. Don’t prod it with a stick.
