It’s Alligator Love Time!
Breeding and Nesting
Alligators breeding season begins in April and peaks in May to early June. During spring when the weather begins warming, alligators become more active and start courting. Males will make low bellowing sounds to attract females. After mating, females build a mound nest consisting of soil, debris and other vegetation.
- Nests made of vegetation are about 3’ high by 7’ wide.
- Nests are built on higher ground to help prevent flooding.
- Females do not sit on the nests but cover them with vegetation and guard the nests from predators.
- About 30% of alligator nests are destroyed by predators or flooding.
- Raccoons are the main nest predators.
- Females will lay about 20 to 50 eggs. Eggs hatch in August and September.
- On average, about 10 alligator hatchlings will survive for one year, and about 8 hatchlings will reach 4’ long (subadult).