Louisiana State Reptile

Alligators are large, semi-aquatic carnivorous reptiles with four legs and a huge tail. The tail is half the animal's length; it helps propel the alligator through the water, is used to make pools of water during the dry seasons gator holes, is used as a weapon, and stores fat that the alligator will use for nourishment during the winter. Alligators are cold blooded,  they do not make their own body heat. They gain body heat by basking in the sun.