The world is full of predators. One of the most dangerous ones is the American alligator. It keeps company with its close cousin, the saltwater crocodile. Both are apex predators due to their sheer size. The alligator isn’t the only one on top of the food chain though. There are other reptiles that are as dangerous and as massive. Let’s look at how Florida’s state reptile compares with other reptiles.
How Long is an Alligator?
The American alligator is a heavyweight among reptiles. An adult alligator can reach 13 feet on average. It also weighs about 800 pounds of muscle and bone. Like most animals, the male alligator is larger than the female. But their size difference is quite minimal. An adult male gator grows an average of 3.4m or 11.2 feet. An adult female is around 2.6m or 8.2 ft. The slight discrepancy in size makes it difficult to tell if a gator is male or female. The only conclusive way to determine it is to conduct an internal examination.
Saltwater Crocodile Trumps Alligator
No matter how big can alligators get, they can’t hold a candle to crocodiles. A saltwater crocodile can reach 17 feet. They clock in the range of 10 to 20 feet. They also weigh an average of 1,000 pounds. Who will win if a croc throws down with a gator? There’s no doubt a crocodile will dominate that fight. Their size alone is a big advantage. But crocodiles are also more aggressive than gators. Alligators only attack prey or when provoked. Crocodiles will attack because they can.
Komodo Dragon vs American Gator: Who Wins?
The Komodo Dragon is one of the five largest reptiles on the planet. It’s hard not to wonder who will win if it tussles with a gator. A Komodo dragon is a dangerous lizard. It’s known for hunting animals bigger than they are. They also have a venom that poisons their victims. But how will this fierce animal fare against the American gator?
Both animals are both massive. But the komodo is a tad smaller at 10 feet. It’s also lighter at 300 lbs. This gives the gator an advantage. The Komodo is fast on land and can also swim. But they don’t hunt in water. The Komodo is at a disadvantage when it comes to bites though. It can rip holes in its prey and inject it with venom. But it has a bite power of only 350 PSI. An alligator’s bite is 3,000 PSI strong. It’s strong enough to crack a turtle’s shell.
So who will win? The alligator will emerge victorious in this fight. Aside from its powerful jaws, the alligator’s habitat has honed it to hunt on both land and water. But there’s a good chance the gator will also suffer. The Komodo dragon won’t go down without a fight, and it will inflict serious wounds on the gator.
Can Pythons Kill Alligators?
The Burmese python is another large reptile found in the Sunshine State. This invasive species can grow up to 20 feet. It reportedly eats alligators. The two reptiles are opportunistic hunters. A python can eat smaller alligators and vice versa. No one can actually tell who will win this battle. Some experts do bet on the alligator. But one should never underestimate the Burmese python.
Bringing You to the Wild Side
Ready to take a walk on the wild side? Better yet, take a boat ride with Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures and see a different side of Florida. Our company is now hailed as the top airboat tour operator in Orlando. We offer an hour of thrilling ride on gorgeous Lake Panasoffkee. You can take photos of live gators. You’ll also learn about the wildlife from our very own Captain Ron. Why not check out our website and book your adventure here? You can also ring us at 352-643-0708.
