Alligators and Caimans: Alligatoridae

Depending on the species, alligators and caimans may live in Central America, Mexico, the southeastern United States, South America, and/or eastern China.

Alligators and caimans are freshwater species that prefer still or slow-moving water, even if it is muddy or murky. Besides lakes, rivers, and streams, they are often found in swamps, marshes, and roadside ditches. Seven of the eight species live in the New World, which includes Central, South, and North America, but only one lives in the United States. The eighth species makes its home in a small area of eastern China, which is part of the Old World.

People sometimes hunt alligators and caimans for their skin, their meat, and sometimes for their organs, which are used to make perfume. In Florida, Louisiana, and other places, they are an important tourist attraction and help bring in money to the local community.