How Long Will Baby Alligators Live in Their Eggs?

Reptile eggs must be incubated before hatching.

Alligators are reptiles and reproduce by producing and incubating eggs until they are ready to hatch. A baby alligator hatches by using a pointed "tooth" on the top of its nose to break through the egg.

Incubation

The American alligator will remain in the egg for about 60 days before it hatches. During this incubation period, the vegetation surrounding the nest will protect and incubate the egg at around 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature of the nest actually determines the gender of the hatchling.

Nursing

Baby alligators will stay with their mothers for six months after hatching for protection. They can remain within the same vicinity as their mothers for years after hatching for protection, unless they wander away.

Fun Fact

Never turn over an alligator egg. Alligator embryos attach themselves to the tops of the eggs and it is fatal if someone or something overturns the egg and the embryo detaches.

References

• Louisiana Alligator Advisory Council: Alligator mississippiensis