Also, there is no basis to the myth that you should run in zig-zag patterns to avoid a charging alligator. If you do find yourself in the unlikely and unfortunate position of avoiding a lunging alligator, you should run in a straight line away from the alligator and its habitat. Regardless of how fast alligators can run, zig-zagging or not, you should never approach an alligator that is on land, nor should you be swimming in water in which an alligator has been spotted.
Gator out for a stroll. Courtesy of Flickr user Andrea Westmoreland. Total Everglades Combo. Mangrove Airboat Tour. Private Airboat Tour. Even large alligators typically choose prey that's relatively small, which is good news for adult humans.
Small alligators make up the majority of the alligator population. An alligator that is less than 5 feet 1. They don't even present a threat to small dogs. Sometimes people think small alligators — say, smaller than 3 feet 0.
In fact, trying to capture an alligator is the most common way people get bitten by one. Even small alligators have 60 to 80 razor-sharp teeth. While a bite may not be life threatening, it still requires a visit to the hospital [source: Black Hammock ]. Large alligators are less common, but they're the greatest threat to humans because they're big enough to size us up as a legitimate meal. A full-grown alligator that is between 8 and 11 feet 2. Even though these alligators are a threat to humans, they're still wary of us.
Alligators would prefer to avoid interactions with people altogether. When people witness an alligator snapping its jaws and growling, they assume it's preparing to attack. In fact, this is defensive posturing. Despite this, alligator bites are on a slight uptick. Much of this is due to the fact that they're no longer endangered.
It's also attributed to increased human interaction, due to development and population growth. In Florida alone, the state averaged just one bite from to However, the period of to saw that number jump to seven per year [source: Inside Science ]. In fact, in there were 12 bites reported, eight of which were major none fatal [source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ].
Still, the United States as a whole averages only one alligator-related fatality per year [source: The Croc Docs ]. From to , the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has received reports of alligator attacks on humans.
Twenty-five of those attacks were fatal, and in nine cases it's believed that the victims were deceased before the alligators ate them for dinner [source: Wilderness Medical Society ]. Alligators don't snatch people out of boats. When you see an alligator on the water's edge silently glide into the water and head toward your boat, it can be frightening.
But it's not what it seems. Alligators simply are much more comfortable in water than on land, so when they're startled by a boat while sunning themselves, they instinctively head for the water. If you see an agitated alligator or one near a boat dock or other place they can score a free meal from humans , steer clear [source: Adventure Paddle Tours ].
Alligators won't run you down on the street. But they will sneak up on you in the water. It latches onto its prey and begins what is known as the death roll. It rolls over and over until its prey is dead, usually by drowning but occasionally from loss of blood.
The alligator then juggles the prey around in its mouth so that it can toss it down its throat. The massive jaw that allows it to hang onto its prey so securely also prevents it from easily chewing and swallowing. To eat something large, the alligator must rip pieces from the prey and swallow them separately.
And it doesn't like that task. If you think an alligator is approaching you, run as fast as you can, in a straight line away from the alligator [source: The University of Florida ]. You should be able to easily outrun an alligator. If it seems to be gaining on you, don't panic. Alligators not only have little endurance, but they also don't really care to pursue their prey. If an alligator misses its first opportunity to grab its victim, it typically moves on to something else.
In the water, the alligator has home field advantage; it's got you right where it wants you. So a water attack is a worst-case scenario. If you feel the alligator's jaw clamp down on you, resist.
Don't waste time trying to pry its jaw open, which is nearly impossible. Instead scream, splash and generally create as much confusion for the alligator as possible. As soon as you can get a clear shot, drive your thumb or fingers directly into its eye. This is the most sensitive area of the alligator's body, and the combination of pain and surprise should be enough to cause the alligator to release you.
Occasionally, a bad-tempered alligator may not give up the fight. As a last ditch effort, you may want to play dead. The alligator releases dead prey as it prepares to maneuver it back into its throat. This can provide you the opportunity to escape. If an alligator hisses, then this is a sign that a person is standing too close. The average human can easily outrun an alligator as it tires quickly.
Alligators are ambush predators and would rather sneak up on prey while hidden in the water where they can swim in speeds of up to 20 miles per hours. World View. More From Reference.
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