Here in Florida, we have a special place in our hearts for alligators (and they probably have a special place in their stomachs for us). After all, they were named our official state reptile in 1987, and they’re the chosen symbol for one of our top universities. Yet even if you grew up surrounded by these amazing reptiles, I bet there’s a lot about them you didn’t know.

1. Alligators bite down with almost 3,000 pounds of force.
You do not want to go up against a gator. Here’s a video of Alligator vs. Watermelon to illustrate:

2. Alligators eat other alligators.
Flickr/Sheila Rosamond
In fact, the biggest threat to baby alligators is bigger, hungrier alligators.
3. Florida is the only place on the planet where alligators and crocodiles coexist in the wild.
Flickr/Reinhard Link
We're just that cool, I guess.

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4. They have super healing powers.
Flickr/tom spinker
The serum in alligator blood is extremely effective at keeping their wounds clean, even in their less-than-tidy swamp homes.
5. The largest alligator forerunner was called Deinosuchus, and it was 40 feet long and ate dinosaurs.
Flickr/Billtacular
Today, alligators are usually only around 800 pounds and 13 feet long. I know, "only."

6. Perhaps the most terrifying fact of all: Gators are actually pretty good climbers.
So remember to check any low-lying limbs the next time you’re in gator territory.

If you’re still hungry for more, check out this video for 9 more facts about our amazing alligators:

There you have it. Your alligator education is complete. What did you think were the coolest or most terrifying facts you learned? Do you have any others to add to the list? Please leave your comments below!

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