Alligators are one of the most powerful predators on Earth. People are always surprised to discover they’re also one of the most maternal. Some would argue that gators are quite romantic. It’s because of their long and complex courtship.
There are so many interesting facts about alligators, like how they reproduce. This post will give you an overview of how life begins for these creatures.
How Do Alligators Mate?
Alligators begin to feel the urge to mate starting in spring. The start of warmer weather sees these large reptiles looking for mates. A “bull” or male alligator will start bellowing to attract females. It’s also a warning to other males to keep their distance. It’s never a good idea for male gators to be in the same vicinity. Vicious battles happen and could end with the loser missing limbs. That’s not surprising given how large these animals are.
The male alligator will court a female before the mating process begins. This courtship entails the gators rubbing their snouts or bodies against each other. They will also push each other underwater. This seems to be a key part of the courtship process. Experts theorize that pressing and submerging their partner underwater shows their strength.
This courtship dance will last for hours. Actual copulation is so short though. It often lasts a shocking 30 seconds. It also happens underwater so very few people see an actual mating. What they will see are lots of bubbles. It’s at the spot where the pair of gators submerge. Females will also mate with several males during the mating season.
And the Mom of the Year Award Goes to?
The alligator mama, of course! Some of the interesting facts about alligators revolve around the female’s nesting behavior.
Female gators lay their eggs either in July or August. They will start to build their nests before they lay their eggs. These nests are a marvel of engineering. She will choose a place near the water. A female gator will use mud, sticks, and whatever vegetation she can find to construct her nest.
A female alligator will lay anywhere from 35 to 50 eggs. The clutch of eggs will incubate for around 70 days. The vegetation used to build the nest produces heat as it decays. This provides the warmth the eggs need to develop into baby gators. The mothers will stand watch throughout the incubation period. She’s there to ensure her young are always protected against predators.
The mother will know that her young are ready to come out of their shells when she hears chirping sounds. Baby alligators make high-pitched noises while still inside their eggs. The noise signals the mother gator to start digging up her nest. She will then carry her hatchlings down to the water.
Did you ever see pictures of an alligator with a hatchling or two in her jaw? That’s par for the course when it comes to gators. A mother alligator will use her jaw to carry her young. She’ll bring her babies to the shallow part of the river. The hatchlings can then hunt for food in relative safety. A female gator also carries her young on her head or snout. The babies know nothing to fear as a mother’s instinct won’t allow her to harm her offspring. Mother alligators take care of their young for a year.
Where’s the Dad?
Not all alligator facts are wholesome though. Some are outright sad. Like the fact that alligator males have little to do with taking care of baby gators. They are a big threat to hatchlings. Male gators will sometimes kill or eat hatchlings. Experts say this happens because an alligator litter can have different fathers. The males don’t know if those babies belong to them or not. Adult alligators are also known for killing baby alligators.
A Final Word
Alligator watching is always interesting. Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures will ensure you do this in a safe and fun environment. After all, we are one of the best airboat tour companies in the Sunshine State. Our one-hour tour will teach you a lot about gators and other Florida wildlife. You can see rare birds and animals. Our boat captain will also show you what makes Florida’s swamps unique. You’re in safe hands with Captain Ron. He’s one of the top USCG-certified airboat operators around. So give us a call at 352-643-0708. You can also reach us here if you want to book a tour.
