Wayside: Alligator

Alligators responded to climate change by moving out of the area as it started to become dryer.

NPS Photo / Serena Rosales

Quick Facts

Location:

Interior, SD

Significance:

Alligators show one of the successful options to survive a changing climate: relocate!

Amenities

4 listed

Accessible Sites, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Tactile Exhibit, Wheelchair Accessible

See ya later, Alligator: 

Prehistoric alligators lived in swampy conditions, as they do today. Physically, alligators have changed mostly in size over the last several million years. Modern alligators are larger, growing up to 14 feet long. Ancient alligators grew to only 6 ½ feet long.