Most people confuse these two reptiles easily because of their shared characteristics, but while both alligators and crocodiles are some of the oldest creatures on the planet- with ancestors who shared the world of the dinosaurs - they are actually from different scientific families. If you happen to spot one in person, we don't recommend taking a closer look... but from a safe distance you can observe many of the differences between these two fascinating creatures.
Alligators and caiman are from the alligatoridae family, while crocodiles are from the crocodilian family (that one's easy). Starting with the most obvious (and terrifying) feature of both animals - the huge head and snout - you can easily tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile. Alligators' snouts are broader and flatter, making a U-shape, while crocs have more V-shaped, narrow, and pointed snouts. Because of the broadness of the alligator's jaw, an adaptation that allows it the power to crush turtles for dinner, the alligator has the stronger, more dangerous bite (though we really don't recommend experiencing either). The crocodile is less cut-out for turtle-eating, and preys mainly on fish and mammals.
Another facial difference between the two can be seen in their bite. Alligators have wider upper jaws, so when their mouths are closed, the lower teeth are not visible - only the top teeth. Crocodiles' bites line up so that when the mouth is closed, you can see both upper and lower teeth - twice as scary.
Alligators tend to have darker coloring than crocodiles, and while their bite may be more bone-crushing, crocodile are actually more ferocious and aggressive than alligators.
Because they have specialized glands for filtering out salt, Crocodiles can tolerate salt water better than Alligators. Alligators actually have these glands present, but they are non-functioning, so alligators strongly prefer freshwater. Because of their higher tolerance for salt-water habitats, Crocs in the wild are found throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia, while alligators are only found in the US and China.
