Wild American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) in the Florida Everglades in summer. Alligators are important to the ecology of their habitat. During droughts they dig deep holes, or 'dens,' which provide water for the wildlife community. They hibernate in the dens during winter. They have been relentlessly hunted for their hides and are much reduced in numbers. Under state and federal protection they are beginning to make a comeback in some areas. Habitat: Fresh and brackish marshes, ponds, lakes, rivers, swamps, bayous, and big spring runs. Range: Coastal SE. North Carolina to Florida Keys and west along coastal plain to southern Texas; north to extreme SE Oklahoma and southern Arkansas.