Alligators
The American Alligator, alligator mississippiensis, is one of the most famous swamp animals, despite the fact that they are only found in North American swamps. They are often confused with crocodiles, but alligators live in freshwater swamps, whereas crocodiles live in salt water or brackish aquatic ecosystems.
Alligators are suited for the water, as their eyes, ears, and nose are aligned to allow them to sense things above the water without being obvious. Females build nests of leaves, sticks, and mud during breeding season, all of which are readily available in a freshwater swamp. Alligators are not good at moving outside of water, but they are superb swimmers.
Alligators are consumers, and they are carnivores. Because they eat only meat, they are a secondary consumer, and they are considered to be at the top of the food chain in a freshwater swamp.