Many people are afraid of alligators. Who wouldn’t be? Their massive size and sharp teeth are the stuff of nightmares. The many stories of alligator attacks don’t help their cause either.
Yet alligators are not as scary if you give them half a chance. These descendants of dinosaurs like to be alone. They’re also a good example of how an endangered species can return from the brink of extinction.
There are also many cool facts about alligators that you can use as an ice breaker. Let’s say you’re at a party. Mention that alligators can walk underwater. Or share that their eyes glow in the dark and you can get a conversation going.
Need more ammunition to impress people? Here are some cool facts about alligators that will blow you away.
They Can Walk Underwater
A photo surfaced several years ago showing an alligator standing up in a pool of water. People on the internet soon lost their minds at the idea of a gator walking on two legs. But do alligators walk underwater? Yes, they can in a way.
Alligators do not stand in water the way we humans do. What they do is float in a vertical manner. It will float or stand under the water while keeping its head above it. The position allows the alligator to see, hear, and even smell its surroundings. It’s also a good way to hide from possible prey.
A quick exhale of air from its lungs will lower the alligator’s buoyancy. It then allows it to slide underwater without making a ripple. It can then walk underwater or swim.
They’re Athletic
Alligators give off a lazy vibe. People often see them basking on the shore or floating in the water. What most people don’t realize is gators are very athletic. These reptiles can leap out of the water to reach birds perched on low branches. They can jump up to five feet given the right inclination.
Alligators are also speedy runners. How fast do alligators run? They can go up to 35 mph on land. It’s rare that they do so since they get tired fast. They also have an innate fear of humans and go out of their way to avoid us.
It’s also comforting to know that alligators will give up running after prey at around 100 feet. But they also have amazing bursts of speed. They can catch you with no problems if you stay within 10 feet of them. So if you don’t want any alligator trouble, make sure you keep a good distance away.
Humans are Not Part of Their Diet
Alligators are carnivores. They eat invertebrates, fish, frogs, turtles, and small mammals. Researchers have even made the shocking discovery that gators even eat their young. About seven percent of juvenile gators died because their larger counterparts ate them.
The good news is that humans are not part of the alligator’s diet. It’s rare for gators to attack humans, even though there are many reports to the contrary. But most of these attacks have extenuating circumstances.
One Florida man was allegedly attacked by an alligator in May. The victim was reportedly a transient who collected Frisbees in a public park near a lake. Park rangers warned the man not to go into the lake in April and told him he will get banned if he did it again.
The victim allegedly ignored the warnings. He still went into the lake to collect the Frisbees so he could sell them. But the lake is deep and a person would have to kick around the bottom to find the Frisbees. The action could’ve attracted the gator’s attention and might have mistaken the man for prey. Plus, it was also the mating season. Gators are more violent during this time.
Gators are Bona Fide Farmers
Is an alligator a reptile? Yes, it is. Alligators are cold-blooded creatures that cannot regulate their internal temperature on their own. Reptiles need external factors like the sun or a heating lamp. It’s why most of these species thrive in warm climates.
Florida is an ideal alligator’s habitat. It has 237 days of sunshine a year. It also has an average temperature of 70.7 degrees Fahrenheit (21.5 degrees Celsius) every day. The Sunshine State is also home to vast swamps and marshlands.
The state is also known for its fruit trees and lush vegetation. Alligators play a part in keeping the state green. How do they do it? They do it the old-fashioned way – by planting. Of course, there’s a slight twist to it. The American alligator also loves to eat fruit. It will ingest it whole, including the seeds. They will pass out these seeds with their feces, and when they do, they’re planted in a new spot. What’s more, it’s already fertilized.
Gators also help Florida’s ecosystem by digging “gator holes.” These are dens or holes where alligators stay in when it’s too hot or they’re lying dormant. Gator holes are usually filled with water and act as watering holes for animals. Small fish and plants also thrive in these places.
They Live a Long Time
Alligators have been around for a long time. Scientists estimated that American gators first appeared 84 million years ago. They share a common ancestor with dinosaurs and have evolved little since then.
How long do alligators live? Modern gators can live up to 50 years in the swamps and marshes. They have to survive to adulthood first, and that’s a challenge for a lot of baby gators. Those bred in captivity have better odds and can live up to 85 years.
Meet One of Florida’s Gems
The American alligator is part of Florida’s culture. We at Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures can show you how special these animals are. We are one of the best airboat ride companies in Orlando. We offer an hour of exciting fan boat tours that are perfect for any age. Our esteemed Captain Ron will keep you safe as he guides you around Florida’s swamps and marshes. Interested in booking a tour? Call us at (352) 643-0708. You can also send us an email at ronandpam@swampfeveriarboatadventures.com.
