Alligators inhabit parts of N. America, while crocodiles mainly inhabit warmer climates (such as in S. America). The following is a picture of an alligator in S. Florida (near the Everglades) which I took. You have to look close!
Here is a drawing of an American Alligator:
Alligators were once hunted nearly to extinction for their leathery skin which was made into purses, shoes, etc. They were finally put under protection after their numbers had dwindled substantially and now there are over 800 thousand American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) living in the United States today.
