How could the alligator, rather than the bald eagle, become the national animal of the United States, depicted on its seal?
Potential obstacles to this idea:
- Alligators only live in the South. But the lion is still the symbol of England despite not living there at all, so it could still work.
- They're dangerous, and not particularly "noble" animals in their hunting strategy. Though that didn't stop the wolf from being the symbol of Rome.
- They're hunted for food.
Potential advantages:
- Alligators are unique to the US.
- Eagles are already the symbols of Russia, Prussia, the Holy Roman Empire, and Austria.
- Another reptile, the rattlesnake, was used to represent America ("Don't Tread On Me") before the eagle was adopted.
- The Welsh, traditionally rivals of the English, used the Welsh dragon, yet another reptile. So reptiles aren't totally unheard of in heraldry.
Potential obstacles to this idea:
- Alligators only live in the South. But the lion is still the symbol of England despite not living there at all, so it could still work.
- They're dangerous, and not particularly "noble" animals in their hunting strategy. Though that didn't stop the wolf from being the symbol of Rome.
- They're hunted for food.
Potential advantages:
- Alligators are unique to the US.
- Eagles are already the symbols of Russia, Prussia, the Holy Roman Empire, and Austria.
- Another reptile, the rattlesnake, was used to represent America ("Don't Tread On Me") before the eagle was adopted.
- The Welsh, traditionally rivals of the English, used the Welsh dragon, yet another reptile. So reptiles aren't totally unheard of in heraldry.