Most states in the US have a legislated animal or two to represent them. For example, California has the popular bear and gray whale as their state mammals. Kansas and Michigan have turtles as their state reptile. Meanwhile, Florida chose the American alligator as their state reptile.
The choice is a sensible and magnificent one. The American gator was on the brink of extinction before Florida moved to save it. The state passed laws to protect alligators habitat. There were also moves to limit the harvesting of gator meat. Now there are over 1.3 million alligators thriving in the Sunshine State.
The American alligator is one of the reasons millions of people visit Florida. There are parks dedicated to the reptile. You can also go on airboat tours around swamps to observe these magnificent beasts. After all, there are so many cool things to know about them.
They’re Speed Demons Underwater
American alligators are massive creatures. So it’s no wonder that people want to know how fast can a gator swim. That bulk of theirs means nothing when they’re in the water. These reptiles are fast swimmers. They can go as fast as 20mph or more. That’s faster than a bottlenose dolphin. These mammals are famous for their speed and streamlined bodies. But bottlenose dolphins only hit 18mph.
Alligator bodies are also designed for swimming. Their long and broad tails propel them forward. The gator’s short limbs might be a hindrance on land, but they can bend them back so they can swim faster.
They’re Not a Slouch on Land
Visitors to Florida should never underestimate the alligator. Gators are fast on water and on land. How fast are alligators on land? They can run at 11mph on dry terrain. A burst of speed can have them running at 35 mph. That’s faster than Usain Bolt’s best time! They can’t sustain their speed for long though. So it’s true that you can outrun them if you’re fast and scared enough. But the best thing you can still do is avoid getting too near an alligator.
They Live to a Ripe Old Age
How long do alligators live? The American alligator can live up to 50 years. That’s the usual lifespan for wild alligators. Those who live in parks and zoos can survive anywhere from 65 to 80 years. An alligator in Serbia’s Belgrade Zoo is reportedly 85 years old.
Their habitat and size are two extenuating factors for their long life. You’re likely wondering “how big do alligators get” anyway? Well, they can grow 13 feet. There’s even an alligator recorded to have grown to more than 17 feet. Male alligators are always larger than females. The former can reach an average of 11.2 feet or 3.4 meters. The latter often clocks in at 8.2 feet or 2.6 meters.
That size, and the alligator’s innate viciousness, means the reptile has few predators. Their habitat also gives them an advantage. Where do alligators live? They live in swamps, marshes, and lakes. They love slow-moving bodies of water. You can find gators floating as still as can be in these waters. Animals living in these areas also don’t often grow too large sizes.
You can also find American alligators from North Carolina way down to Texas’ Rio Grande.
Discover the Adventure of a Lifetime
Tired of theme parks and hotels? Let your wild side go for a walk with Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures. We’re one of the top airboat companies in Florida. We’ll let you experience a fun adventure while learning about Florida’s wildlife. We’ll show you the distinct beauty of the Panasoffkee. We’ll also explore the Withlacoochee water systems. You’ll be exploring them in the safety of our airboats under the guide of the reliable Captain Ron. Why not give us a call at 352-643-0708? You can also book an hour-long tour here.
