Alligators are large and intimidating creatures, due to their size and unique anatomy, including an armored body, short legs, broad snouts and powerful tails. Most live in the South, along the edges of permanent bodies of water, such as lakes, swamps and rivers, but others reside in zoos and parks. On this show, Dr. Darryl Heard, a zoological medicine specialist, will discuss why alligators are an important part of ecosystem health, along with the challenges and rewards of working with this species to keep them healthy.