Alligators are generally considered to be 12 feet or longer when they are fully grown. This total length is measured from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail. The age of a 12 foot alligator can vary greatly depending on the species with some species living for over 50 years.
The oldest alligator on record was an American alligator that was estimated to be around 75 years old. This alligator was found in an area of Louisiana that is known for its large alligator population. Alligators in captivity have been known to live for even longer periods of time with one individual alligator living to be over 80 years old.
While the lifespan of an alligator can vary greatly depending on the species the average lifespan of a 12 foot alligator is around 50 years. This means that a 12 foot alligator that is 50 years old would be considered to be middle-aged. Alligators can reach sexual maturity at around 6 to 7 feet in length so a 12 foot alligator would be considered to be fully grown.
It is interesting to note that the size of an alligator does not necessarily correlate with its age. Alligators can vary greatly in size with some individuals reaching lengths of over 20 feet. While a 12 foot alligator is considered to be fully grown an alligator of this size is not necessarily old. Alligators grow at different rates depending on the species with some species growing faster than others.
American alligators generally grow at a rate of around 1 foot per year. This means that a 12 foot alligator would be around 12 years old. However alligators of other species can grow at rates of up to 2 feet per year. This means that a 12 foot alligator of one of these species could be as young as 6 years old.
The age of a 12 foot alligator can therefore vary greatly depending on the species. Alligators of different species can have different lifespans with some species living for over 50 years and some species living for less than 10 years. Additionally alligators of different species can grow at different rates with some species growing much faster than others.
How long do alligators live in the wild?
Up to 50 years
How fast can an alligator run?
Up to 30 mph
What is the average weight of a 12 foot alligator?
1320 pounds
What is the largest alligator on record?
19 feet 2 inches
What is the diet of an alligator?
Alligators are carnivores and eat fish birds turtles and mammals
How many babies do alligators have at a time?
Alligators usually have 20 to 50 eggs
How often do alligators eat?
Alligators eat once a week
How do alligators kill their prey?
Alligators use their powerful jaws to crush their prey
How do alligators mate?
Male alligators bellow to attract females and then they will mate
What is the gestation period for alligators?
65 days
When are alligator eggs laid?
Alligator eggs are usually laid in June or July
How long do alligators stay with their young?
For the first year of their lives
What is the predators of an alligator?
Humans are the only predators of alligators
What is the temperature of an alligator’s egg?
89.
6 to 93.
3 degrees Fahrenheit
How often do alligators shed their skin?
Alligators shed their skin about once a year
