Date Taken: 3/31/2023

Appearance: Large reptile with a long, slender body and a powerful tail, their skin is rough and scaly, with a grayish-green color that helps them blend in with their surroundings

Habitat: Found in parts of the Americas, primarily in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean. They inhabit both saltwater and freshwater environments, including coastal areas, estuaries, rivers, and lakes

Behavior: Excellent swimmers and have specialized adaptations for life in the water, including webbed feet and a powerful tail for propulsion. They are nocturnal carnivorous predators, feeding on a variety of prey including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

IUCN Conservation Status: Vulnerable