Quck answer
No, running in a zigzag pattern is not an effective way to escape an alligator. Alligators are fast and agile both on land and in water, so trying to outrun them is not a reliable strategy. The best way to avoid an alligator attack is to stay away from their habitat, keep a safe distance if you do encounter one, and never approach or feed them. If you do find yourself in a dangerous situation, try to fight back by hitting the alligator’s sensitive snout, eyes, or throat. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to alligator encounters.
Wild Animals
Alligators are more dangerous in water than on land. Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Alligators are known for their impressive speed, but contrary to popular belief, they are not likely to chase humans on dry land. The old adage that you can escape an alligator by running in a zigzag is more of a joke than genuine advice. Alligators are much faster swimmers than runners, and they prefer to sneak up on their prey in the water.
While alligators are capable of sprinting short distances on land, they can’t maintain their speed for long periods of time. According to the University of Florida, the average human can easily outrun an alligator, which tops out at a speed of around 9.5 miles per hour (15 kph).
Alligators are patient hunters and will stalk their prey for hours before attacking. Once they attack, they prefer not to do a lot of work and will abandon prey that fights back. Additionally, they don’t like to attack anything they can’t swallow in one gulp. This means that adult humans are not likely to be targeted by alligators, who typically prefer smaller prey.
Why Alligators Rarely Attack Humans
Alligators are not likely to attack humans because we are not their preferred prey. They prefer an easy meal and will only attack if they feel threatened or are defending their territory. In the water, alligators are much faster and more agile than humans, making it difficult for us to escape them. However, on land, humans have the advantage and can easily outrun these reptiles.
Most of the alligator population consists of small alligators. Those that are less than 5 feet long typically eat small creatures like crawfish, small snakes, and turtles. They pose no threat to humans or small dogs. In fact, even alligators smaller than 3 feet are not suitable as pets and trying to capture one is the most common way people get bitten. Although their bites may not be life-threatening, they still require medical attention. Large alligators, on the other hand, are a greater threat to humans because they are big enough to consider us as a possible meal. A full-grown alligator that measures between 8 to 11 feet and weighs up to 1,000 pounds is the biggest threat of all. However, alligators prefer to avoid interactions with people and will only attack when provoked. Despite this, alligator bites are on the rise due to increased human interaction and development. In Florida alone, there were 12 bites reported in 2020, eight of which were major. Despite this, the United States only averages one alligator-related fatality per year. Alligators do not overturn boats to capture prey or snatch people out of boats. If you see an agitated alligator or one near a boat dock, steer clear.
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How to Handle an Alligator Attack
Alligators are known to sneak up on their prey in the water and use a predictable style of attack called the death roll. If you find yourself in a situation where an alligator is approaching you, it is important to run as fast as you can in a straight line away from the alligator. Alligators are not known for having good endurance, and they typically do not pursue their prey if they miss their first opportunity to grab them. However, if you are caught unaware at the edge of the water or in the water, you have less chance to evade the alligator. In this scenario, it is crucial to resist if the alligator’s jaw clamps down on you. Do not waste time trying to pry its jaw open because it is nearly impossible. Instead, scream, splash and 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. In rare cases where the alligator does not give up the fight, playing dead may be a last ditch effort to escape. However, this is a risky plan, and if the alligator has you in the water, you should do everything possible to avoid going into a death roll.
Crocs versus Gators
Alligators are often unfairly blamed for the misbehavior of crocodiles. Crocodiles are typically more aggressive than alligators and are a legitimate concern for people who share their habitat. Crocodiles are found in Australia, Africa, Mexico, and Central and South America. They have a highly effective salt filtering gland that allows them to live in brackish water and saltwater. The crocodiles of Australia and Africa are particularly well-known for their size, stealth hunting abilities and aggressive temperament.
If you are in an area with crocodiles, it is necessary to take special precautions because they are powerful. They can launch themselves out of the water and grasp prey at the water’s edge. Therefore, it is advisable not to swim, wade or walk along the edge of waters inhabited by crocodiles.
If you are living or vacationing in alligator country, it is important to be cautious in their presence. Although alligators have no natural desire to eat humans, there are ways to decrease the likelihood of an unpleasant encounter. Unfortunately, small children who play in water without adult supervision are often victims of alligator attacks.
Alligators may attack because they are hungry, but it is not the most common reason. As humans continue to invade wildlife habitats, which reduces the alligator’s natural food sources, attacks on humans are expected to increase. The main reasons for alligator attacks on humans are; protecting its territory, its nest, or when it’s angry.
Many attacks occur as a result of people teasing or trying to capture alligators. Throwing sticks and rocks at alligators may seem harmless, but doing so creates a dangerous situation for both the person and the alligator. If you come across an alligator in the road, do not attempt to move it, be patient and let it move on its own.
If you want to swim in areas where alligators may be present, swim in areas where the water is clear and the banks are well-groomed, and never swim alone. Alligators may be lurking in areas where the water is murky and the banks are overgrown with weeds or brush. Do not allow children or small pets near the water’s edge, and only allow them into the water if you or another adult are present to supervise them.
Never feed an alligator as this only encourages them to get closer to humans, and it is not good for their health. In fact, feeding alligators is a punishable offense.
If you follow these suggestions, you won’t have to worry about dodging an alligator by running in a zigzag, up a tree, or down a hill. It’s important not to feed alligators because most experts believe that an alligator that attacks a human is one that has been fed by humans. Even if an alligator has never been fed by humans, it may attack when teased or feels trapped, but this is rare. If humans didn’t provide food, most alligators would never get close enough to humans to be teased. When people throw food to alligators, it leads to a death sentence for the alligator. The state’s Department of Natural Resources will most likely trap and kill an alligator that has lost its fear of humans. This article was originally published on Mar 30, 2009.
Alligator Run FAQ
What is the maximum speed an alligator can run on land?
According to most experts, an average alligator can run up to 11 mph (18 kilometers) on dry land for a short period of time. However, their weight causes them to run in a zigzag motion, which slows them down and exhausts them quickly.
What is the maximum speed an alligator can swim?
An alligator can swim up to 20 miles (32 kilometers) per hour.
Do alligators attack on land?
Alligators are lethargic predators who prefer easy prey. They specialize in stalking their prey in the water for hours before attacking. They tire quickly on land, making it highly unlikely for them to chase or attack humans.
What should you do if an alligator chases you?
While it is unlikely for an alligator to chase you, if it does happen, run as fast as you can. Since they have little endurance on land, you are most likely to outrun it. If it is close and manages to grab you, jab your fingers into its eyes, scream, splash and make it seem like more trouble than it is worth to try to “death roll” you.
What is the safe distance from an alligator?
Stay as far away from an alligator as possible. If it hisses at you, it means you are standing too close. The safest distance from an alligator is about 60 feet.
Lots More Information
Related HВowStuffWorks Articles
- How Alligators Work
- How to Survive a Grizzly Bear Attack
- How Shark Attacks Work
- What’s the difference between an alligator and a crocodile?
- Which animals kill the most people in the wild?
- How to Survive in the Jungle
- How Lion Taming Works
More Great Links
- Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Marsh Bunny
- Southeastern Outdoors
- Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Sources
- Adventure Paddle Tours. “Is it safe to kayak with alligators?” 2021 (July 19, 2021) https://adventurepaddletours.com/kayak-with-alligators/
- The Black Hammock. “5 Fun Facts About Baby Alligators.” 2021 (July 19, 2021) https://www.theblackhammock.com/5-Fun-Facts-About-Baby-Alligators-1-6134.html
- The Croc Docs. “How likely are you to be attacked by an alligator in Florida – during a hurricane or under any circumstance?” 2021 (July 19, 2021) https://crocdoc.ifas.ufl.edu/publications/factsheets/Alligator%20Attack%20Risk%20Comparison%202019.pdf
- Florida Museum of Natural History. “A Comparison of Shark Attacks and Fatalities and Alligator Attacks and Fatalities from 1948 to 2005.” (March 16, 2009) http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/sharks/attacks/relariskgator.htm
- Nagourney, Eric. “Hazards: Alligator Attacks Increasing (Don’t Pick One Up).” New York Post. Sept. 27, 2005. (March 16, 2009) http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/27/health/27haza.html
- National Park Service. “American Alligator.” 2021 (July 19, 2021) http://www.nps.gov/jela/naturescience/upload/alligator.pdf
- Rogers, Nala. “Why Are Alligator Bites on the Rise in Florida?” Inside Science. Aug. 20, 2018 (July 19, 2021) https://www.insidescience.org/news/why-are-alligator-bites-rise-florida
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. “How to be safe around alligators.” 2021 (July 19, 2021) https://srelherp.uga.edu/alligators/alligator-safety.htm
- Swiman, Elizabeth, et al. “Living With Alligators: A Florida Reality.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. 2021 (July 19, 2021) https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/uw230
FAQ
1. Is it true that running in a zigzag can help you escape an alligator?
Unfortunately, no. Running in a zigzag is a myth and is not an effective way to escape an alligator. It may actually make it easier for the alligator to catch you.
2. What should you do if you encounter an alligator?
The best thing to do is to slowly back away and give the alligator plenty of space. Do not approach or provoke the alligator in any way.
3. Are alligators aggressive towards humans?
Alligators are generally not aggressive towards humans, but they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or if they are protecting their young.
4. What are some signs that an alligator is about to attack?
An alligator may hiss, open its mouth wide, or charge at you before attacking. If you see any of these signs, it’s best to slowly back away and give the alligator plenty of space.
5. Can you fight off an alligator?
It’s not recommended to try to fight off an alligator. Their powerful jaws and sharp teeth make them very dangerous, and it’s unlikely that you will be able to overpower them.
6. How fast can an alligator run?
Alligators can run up to 20 miles per hour for short distances, so it’s important to never underestimate their speed.
7. What should you do if an alligator attacks you?
If an alligator attacks you, try to fight back by hitting its sensitive snout or poking its eyes. However, the best way to avoid an attack is to give the alligator plenty of space and slowly back away if you encounter one.
8. Can you outrun an alligator?
It’s unlikely that you will be able to outrun an alligator, even in a straight line. They are very fast and can quickly catch up to their prey.
9. Are alligators more aggressive towards humans than crocodiles?
Both alligators and crocodiles can be dangerous to humans, but there is no evidence to suggest that one is more aggressive than the other.
10. How can you avoid encountering an alligator?
Try to avoid swimming in areas where alligators are known to live, and be cautious when walking near bodies of water. Keep pets on a leash and never approach an alligator.
11. What should you do if you see an alligator in your backyard?
If you see an alligator in your backyard, call your local wildlife management agency or animal control. Do not attempt to capture or handle the alligator yourself.
12. Can alligators climb fences?
Alligators are not known for their climbing abilities, but they can sometimes climb over low fences or walls if they are motivated enough.
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