What is the difference between an alligator and a crocodile?

The easiest way to tell an alligator and a crocodile apart is by looking at their snouts and teeth:

• Snout shape: Alligators have a wide, U-shaped, rounded snout. Crocodiles have a longer, narrower, V-shaped snout.
• The "toothy grin": When their mouths are closed, you can see most of an alligator’s upper teeth, but their lower teeth are hidden. In a crocodile, the upper and lower jaws are roughly the same width, so many teeth (especially the large fourth tooth on the lower jaw) remain visible even when the mouth is shut.
• Color: Alligators tend to be darker, often appearing blackish-gray, while crocodiles are typically a lighter olive-green or tan.
• Habitat: Alligators prefer freshwater environments, like swamps and lakes. Crocodiles have special glands that allow them to process salt, so they are much more comfortable living in saltwater or brackish environments, such as mangroves and estuaries.

In terms of temperament, crocodiles are generally considered more aggressive and reactive than alligators, though both are powerful predators that should always be treated with extreme caution.