Are there any known cases of either the American Alligator or Crocodile living in Kentucky?

Question

OK - enough about it being too cold. Both alligators and crocodiles have what's known as the "icing effect". Their bodies can actually freeze but as long as they can breathe through their nostrils, they live. So please, I'm looking for realistic answers, not opinions.

Answer 1

I believe historically, they ranged as far north as Tennessee, but I don't believe any have been seen further north than North Carolina in a loooong time. And, yes, while alligators can survive being iced over to a point, it has to happen slowly, and thaw has to be just as slow.... even though an alligator can slow it's heart-rate, etc, if the temps dip too low for them too quickly, they'll still die from it. As for crocodiles, the American Crocodile was mentioned as being seen in the mouth of the Mississippi River way way back in the day as well, but that's the farthest north that they've even been mentioned. Temperatures here in Central Florida can get too cold for them sometimes (Worked on a gator farm in the late '80's, had a freeze come through, and we lost 8 or 10 American crocs, and that's just a Florida freeze.) So, no, no crocs in Kentucky, and doubtful on the alligators nowadays. Why do you ask?

Edited to add.....
btw, alligators and crocodiles can -not- freeze solid and come back, there is a little frog up in Alaska and northern Canada that can, but that's just a little frog.

Answer 2

Alligators In Kentucky

Answer 3

Both lived in Kentucky at one point. The government outlawed sex with relatives and a need to relocate the alligators and crocs becames necassary.

Answer 4

If someone were to release one in the wilds, it would not survive the winter. It is too cold. They like tropical climates.

Answer 5

It depends on the weather and water of Kentucky

Answer 6

Only in captivity and Louisville sewers.

Answer 7

I seen one at Star Buck's !....panhandling !!

Answer 8

not wild== too cold for them.