American Alligator
Alligator mississippiensis

Size: 6 - 16 feet
Distribution
Extreme southeastern part of the state near the Red River.  The american alligator is the only crocodilian native to Oklahoma, and belongs to the family Alligatoridae, the alligators and caimans (some spectacled caimans, commonly found on the pet trade, have been found living wild as the result of careless owners releasing them into local lakes and reservoirs).  The young are born dark green to black with bold yellow crossbands which tend to fade as the alligator matures.  Actually a shy animal, sightings of alligators in the wild in SE Oklahoma are rare, and attacks on humans are even more rare.  The females remain relatively small, attaining a length of around 8 feet, but the males (called bulls) may reach lengths of up to 16 feet.  The bulls are highly vocal during breeding season, emitting low-pitched sounds which travel great distances through the water to attract a mate.