A large, impressive American alligator on the banks of the Hillsborough River, Florida. In the wild, it can be difficult to discern the gender of the alligator. In an older individual, size can definitely assist in the assessment. But if the gator is in the "grey area" for size (8-10 feet), the main way to determine is through a ventral slit between the hind legs - a place most of us do NOT want to be. Another way scientists utilize is to estimate the length from the area central to the eyes...