Alligators are a fascinating species! They have powerful jaws capable of crushing shells and bones, allowing them to feast on a wide variety of prey. Their diets range from smaller invertebrates to larger mammals. The fisherman in this video was in a sharing mood. Before the alligator can strike, he throws the fish into the water. As one video comment reads, “He sacrificed his fish to the gator gods.” Alligators demonstrate remarkable adaptation by showing opportunistic feeding behavior. And the gator in this video isn’t any different. It’s taking advantage of whatever food sources present themselves in its environment. In this case it’s a generous fisherman, or a scared one, depending on how you look at it.
Do Alligators Hunt People?
Was the fisherman in this video in any real danger? Could the alligator have come up on the boat and eaten the fish and the fisherman? It’s possible but not likely. Despite their powerful jaws and opportunistic feeding habits, alligators rarely hunt people. While they have certainly been known to attack humans, it is rare. Studies show that alligators are responsible for less than 6% of fatal attacks on humans. This low rate indicates that they usually avoid confrontation with us whenever possible. As opportunistic feeders, alligators like to be lazy. They don’t swim long distances in search of food, preferring to remain close to where they live and feed on whatever comes their way. This should put your mind at ease since it is unlikely that an alligator will ever actively go after you!
What to Do if You See an Alligator
What’s the big mistake the fisherman makes in this video? Feeding a wild alligator. Throwing the fish to the hungry alligator was fun but not wise. The truth is feeding alligators in the wild is never a good idea. What should you do if you see an alligator? First, never approach or attempt to feed them. Feeding an alligator may cause them to associate humans with food and become more aggressive in the future. When you see an alligator, respect its space and back away slowly. If the alligator hisses or charges in a threatening manner, stop moving. Don’t run – this can trigger an instinctual pursuit response in the alligator. Instead, stand still and wait for it to move away from you.
Alligators in Florida
The reptile in this video was likely an American alligator. Florida has American alligators and American crocodiles. In 1987 the American alligator took the title of the official reptile of Florida. It makes sense, too, considering there are so many of them swimming around. These hungry reptiles are most commonly found in Florida and the southeastern United States. In addition to living in freshwater environments, they also inhabit brackish waters near shorelines and canals.
Visiting the Everglades
If you ever get a chance to make your way to the Everglades, you’re destined to spot a gator in the wild. An estimated 1.5 million American alligators live in Florida alone, with over 200,000 calling the Florida Everglades home. The growing population of alligators and crocodiles gives hope that the Everglades is restoring itself. In this fun scene, you’ll see a fisherman out on his boat in the Everglades. He looks so proud to have caught such a big fish! But he’s not going to be bringing that fish home. The alligator behind his boat wants a bite. Watch the video below to see an alligator sneaking up to get a fast meal.
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