172 Department of Conservation of Louisiana 



the fourth lower tooth, which is enlarged and fang-like in 

 all members of the order, fits into a pit inside the margin 

 of the upper jaw in the alligator. With the true crocodile 

 this tooth fits into a notch at the side of the upper jaw and, 

 when viewing the reptile's head from the side, with the 

 mouth closed, this enlarged tooth is hidden in the alligator 

 but can be seen when looking at a crocodile, as indicated 

 in the accompanying pen drawing. 



CROCODILE ALLIGATOR 



The fourth lower tooth of both the crocodile and alligator is enlarged and 

 fang-like. This tooth, in the alligator, fits into a pit inside the margin of the 

 upper jaw and when viewed from the side, with the mouth closed, this tooth 

 cannot be seen. It is seen when looking at a crocodile with the mouth closed. 

 Therefore, if you don't see the tooth the reptile is an alligator. 



The alligator is found in the rivers and swamps of our 

 southern states from the southern part of North Carolina 

 to the Rio Grande. 



The Alligator Disappearing 



Years ago, before the rifle of the sportsman appeared 

 on the scene and before the value of their hides was recog- 

 nized in the marts of trade, alligators were very abundant. 

 Today, the 'gator is surely on the decline and it seems that 

 some sort of prompt legislation will be needed for its pro- 

 tection if this animal is to be preserved to our fauna. 



Whether the wholesale destruction by the hide-hunter 

 will eventually exterminate this giant reptile, as has been 

 the case with the buffalo, it is impossible to say, but that 

 the decline in numbers has been rapid will be vouched for 

 by almost anyone familiar with it or its habits. While in 

 the past a number of alligators were killed by the sports- 

 man, few today die from this source — that is, few in com- 



