White alligators in Florida: What makes albino gators different from rare leucistic reptiles

• White alligators don't blend in well with their natural habitat so their prey can see them easily
• At least 3 Florida attractions are home to albino and leucistic alligators
• Like normal alligators, white gators eat everything from fish and snails to turtles

Let’s face it — in Florida, a lot of us are obsessed with alligators. They tend to make headlines for unexpectedly showing up in a pool or on one’s doorstep or for animal attacks.

How does one feel about white alligators? Are they called albino alligators? Do some have red eyes or blue eyes?

While rare, white alligators — albino or leucistic — do exist. Some are even multimedia stars on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. But stories about white alligators stopping traffic or being spotted in the wild are not part of the norm in Florida. Mostly because white alligators are commonly found in human care — in an alligator attraction or zoo.

But make no mistake, just because these alligators are white doesn’t make them, well, angelic. Aside from the color, white alligators are much like regular-colored alligators, meaning people should not engage with them. Do not pet, feed or antagonize a gator (no matter the color of its skin).

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Below are some things to know about white alligators, albinism and leucism.

What’s the difference between albino alligators and leucistic alligators?

Albinism is a rare genetic condition in which there is a lack of pigmentation, creating white skin and red or pink eyes. Animals with this condition are called “albinos.” Leucism refers to a partial loss of pigmentation, which can make the animal have white or patchily colored skin, but the pigment cells in the eyes are not affected by the condition. Animals with this condition are called “leucistic.”

What are albino alligators like?

Albino gators have albinism. Other than the color of their skin and often vision issues, albino alligators are like any other alligators, according to Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo in New Braunfels, Texas.

White alligators do not blend in well with their natural habitat. Because of this, their prey can see them easily, so it is much harder for them to catch food to eat. Albino alligators, just like their green counterparts, can grow 8 to 11 feet long and can be several hundred pounds, Animal World’s site states.

What’s the difference between leucistic alligators and albino alligators?

Albino alligators have albinism, a rare genetic disorder that causes animals to have a lack of pigmentation. Albino animals are white with pink eyes (the eyes look red).

Leucistic alligators are also white alligators with blue eyes. Leucism is a rare condition that results in white skin, deep blue eyes with a hint of pigmentation here and there. It is different from albino alligators and albinism.

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How many leucistic alligators are there?

Leucistic alligators (the white alligators with blue eyes) are extremely rare. According to Audubon Nature Institute, “the incidence of leucistic gators is probably very rare, although it is hard to say for certain since leucistic young lack protective camouflage coloring and are easy pickings for predators.”

How many albino alligators are there?

Albino alligators (white alligators with pink or “red” eyes) are extremely rare.

Three albino alligators call Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo home. The attraction estimates there are only about 100 to 200 albino alligators in the world.

What do white alligators eat?

Like normal alligators, white gators eat everything from fish and snails to turtles.

Are white alligators rare?

White alligators are not a separate species but are considered extremely rare. There have only been a few documented occurrences of leucistic alligators.

Where in Florida can you see white alligators?

As of July11, 2023, albino alligators and leucistic alligators call these attractions in Florida home:

• Gatorland in Orlando has albino alligators, Cottontail, Moonshine and Pearl, and leucistic alligators Feros Zombi ("fierce ghost") and Trezos Je ("treasure eye").
• Gator Spot by FunSpot America in Orlando, Gatorland's partner attraction, has a leucistic alligator named Jeyan Kwok ("giant fang"). Leucistic alligator Bouya Blan ("white fog") previously was listed as a Gator Spot resident, too, according to Gatorland's website.
• Wild Florida in Kenansville, Florida, has two albino alligators Snowflake and Blizzard. In August 2020, the rare pair of white alligators were the parents of four hatchlings.

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.