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Do alligators live in the ocean?

Alligators are primarily freshwater animals and they do not live in the ocean.

A sunbathing alligator

An alligator enjoying the sun's rays. Image courtesy of U.S. National Park Service.

There are many things you may encounter when swimming in the ocean. Alligators probably aren’t one of them.

While alligators can tolerate salt water for a few hours or even days, they are primarily freshwater animals, living in swampy areas, rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds.

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Last updated: 01/18/24
Author: NOAA
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