Are There Alligators in Puerto Rico? The Crocodilian Reality

No, there are no native alligators in Puerto Rico. The island's crocodilian fauna consists of two crocodile species:

• American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) – Found in coastal lagoons, mangroves, and estuaries, primarily on the southern and western coasts.
• Morelet's crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) – Less common, historically reported in freshwater habitats; its current status on the island is uncertain and may reflect past introductions or misidentification.

Alligators (genus Alligator) are native only to the southeastern United States and parts of China. Puerto Rico's crocodiles are protected under local and international law, and sightings, while rare, do occur in appropriate habitats.