Dragon, Alligator, Crocodile

Used in:

• II Nephi 5:87 [8:9]
• II Nephi 10:22 [23:22]
• Mosiah 9:119 [20:11]
• Alma 20:49 [43:44]

What does the Book of Mormon state?

• All of these references are metaphors
• The Book of Mormon does not state that dragons existed in the New World

At face value - Did dragons (alligators and crocodiles) exist in the New World?

• Yes

Statement

• Crocodilian species endemic to Mesoamerica
• Common caiman
• Brown caiman
• American crocodile
• Morelet's crocodile
• http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/cnhc/csp_cmor.htm

Assessment

• Alligators and crocodiles are endemic to Mesoamerica