Reptiles are some of the world’s most misunderstood animals. Take snakes for instance. Many people have ophidiophobia or a fear of snakes. They think of snakes as dangerous when only 7% of snakes are venomous.
Alligators are also misunderstood. They have a reputation as man-eaters but gator attacks are few and far between. Records show that only 10 people died from alligator attacks between 1999 and 2019. This fear of alligators comes in part from their amazing burst of speed. These reptiles are much faster than you expect.
Are Alligators Fast on Land?
Many people believe that alligators are slow, lumbering creatures on land. It’s easy to see where that misconception comes from. Alligators do move slower on land. Many of Florida’s visitors see them taking in the sunshine on the riverbanks.
Don’t let their plain sluggishness fool you though. Alligators can pick up the pace when they want to. How fast do alligators run? They run quite fast on land and can hit speeds of 35 mph. The caveat is they can only do this for short periods. Plus, the gator’s burst of speed is often reserved for lunging after prey. They don’t usually run after someone across a large area.
Alligators are also very fast and agile in water. How fast can a gator swim? They can reach speeds of up to 20 mph. This means they can go head to head with a bottlenose dolphin. They can also maintain their speed for longer periods in water.
Can You Escape by Climbing a Tree?
Movies often show people climbing a tree to escape from the animals chasing them. It’s a sensible solution. Unless the animal in question is a big cat or an alligator.
Yes, alligators can climb trees. These fierce reptiles are also known to go up staircases and climb ladders. They also know how to get over a fence. Gators have learned that they can use an incline to get a strong grip on a surface. Then they can pull themselves up using their powerful muscles. This is why you should be aware of your surroundings when exploring Florida’s swamps. You’ll never know when you’ll find a gator up a tree.
How High Can They Jump?
Alligators also know how to jump. It’s something that countless animals have learned to their detriment. Prey perched on branches close to the water often find themselves scrambling. They have to if they want to avoid a gator’s sharp teeth. It’s because gators will leap if they think they can catch dinner. They can jump up to five feet out of the water.
How can alligators jump when they’re submerged? Easy! They push themselves up and out with their tails. Watching this maneuver is a sight to remember. As long as you’re not on that branch, that is.
Are they Slower When It’s Cold?
Alligators are cold-blooded. They cannot create body heat on their own. They depend on the environment for that. It’s why you see them basking under the sun. This gives people the impression that they’re slower during colder weather.
Alligators indeed enter into a state of dormancy when it becomes cold. This doesn’t mean their level of movement suffers during winter. They become less active to save energy. But they can still swim and move. They can also run after you if they want. So it’s best if you keep a wide berth between yourself and any crocodile you encounter.
Alligators are some of the most magnificent animals that walk the Earth. They’re also among the most misunderstood. People believe they’re slow when they can run fast on land. They can also climb trees and fences. It’s a skill most don’t associate with gators. They remain active during colder seasons but prefer warmer temperatures. Knowing their true nature is the best way to appreciate alligators.
Catch the Alligator Fever
Go crazy over alligators with the help of Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures. We are the best airboat company in the Sunshine State. TripAdvisor has dubbed us among the Travelers’ Choice of 2022. We offer amazing airboat tours around Lake Panasoffkee. We can show you the beauty of the Withlacoochee water systems.
You’ll see the rare birds, ducks, and turtles that make up Florida’s wildlife. You can have fun knowing that Captain Ron will keep you safe. Why not give us a ring at 352-643-0708 and book a tour? Are you celebrating a special event? Call us at we’ll make it even more memorable. You can also book a tour here.
