Fishing is meant to be a relaxing activity. It should give you a peaceful moment to simply enjoy nature. That was not the experience of this fisherman – understandably so, it’s kind of difficult to relax if you are chased by an alligator.
How Fast Are Alligators?
Alligators are not just powerful predators; they are also surprisingly fast. On land, an alligator can reach speeds up to 11 miles per hour over short distances. However, it’s in the water where they truly excel. Here, they can swim as fast as 20 miles per hour!
So while this fisherman probably saw his life flash before his eyes, he’s lucky to not have come eye to eye with the alligator in water.
Do Alligators See Humans as Prey?
Generally, alligators do not view humans as prey. They prefer to hunt smaller animals that they know they can easily overpower.
But, alligators are opportunistic feeders after all – so if they see something that looks snack-worthy, chances are they’ll take a chance. If you know you’re in an alligator-infested area (and especially if you’re fishing) keep a look out at all times.
Did You Know Alligators Are the Loudest Reptiles in the World?
The lion is iconically known for its roar, but few people know that the alligator is the world’s loudest reptile.
They can produce a bellow that reaches up to 90 decibels! For comparison, a human screaming at the top of its lungs measures around 70 decibels.
When they scream like this, it’s to attract mates or establish territory.
While Meat Is Their Fave, They Also Snack on Fruit
While we usually associate alligators with their ferocious and powerful jaws, their diet includes more than meat.
It’s true that meat is their favorite food but they also much on fruit and berries from time to time. This behavior is not just incidental; it plays a role in their ecosystem by helping to disperse seeds.
Let’s quickly explore the physical features of the alligator…
Skin
Alligators have tough, scaled skin.
Eyes
Their eyes are positioned on top of their heads. This lets them see above water while being submerged.
Teeth
Alligators have sharp, conical teeth.
Jaws
Alligators have powerful jaws with a strong bite force.
Tail
An alligator’s tail is muscular and used for swimming and defense.
Legs
Alligators have short, sturdy legs with webbed feet.
Nostrils
Their nostrils are located on top of their snouts.
Ears
Alligators have small, slit-like ears that close when submerged.
Scutes
Alligators’ backs are covered with bony plates called scutes.
Belly
The belly of an alligator is softer and less armored than the back.
Size
Alligators come in different sizes. The adults grow to between 10 to 15 feet in length.
Coloration
Alligators have a dark, greenish-brown coloration.
Snout
Alligators have broad, rounded snouts, distinguishing them from crocodiles.
Webbed Feet
Their webbed feet help them swim efficiently.
Claws
Alligators have sharp claws on their feet.
Fisherman Chased by Alligator: Conclusion
Find the link to the video here!
I’m not too intrigued by fishing to begin with, but this frightening footage makes me even more weary of it. While we can conclude that alligators are definitely astounding animals, I’d much rather admire them from a distance (a very, very long distance.)
Thank you for reading this article about the fisherman being chased by an alligator! For more posts like this one, take a peek here:
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- Discovering Georgia’s Fascinating Alligator Population
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