Alligator Encounters: 7 Must-Know Rules for Staying Safe in Gator Country

Around 1 million people visit the Florida Everglades every year, many with hopes of enjoying alligator encounters. When we visited the area, I was hoping for the same, but unfortunately we chose the wrong day! But these large, beautiful creatures are common to the area as well as several Southeastern states.

Observing an alligator in its natural habitat is exciting, but as with all wildlife encounters, it is important to know what to do to avoid a potential attack and how to respond if one does occur. Keeping your distance from alligators and never feeding them are the 2 best ways to avoid an attack.

If an attack does occur, run away in a straight line. Alligators are fast, but only for short periods of time. If attacked, fight back. Following some simple steps can help you safely enjoy nature’s beauty while also respecting wildlife and their environment.

About Alligators

Alligators are native to the Southeastern United States (from North Carolina to Texas) and China. Alligators can be found in a variety of water habitats, including freshwater swamps, marshes, rivers, and lakes. Alligators are semi-aquatic, meaning they live on both land and in water. They are more powerful in the water and are quick swimmers.

They are cold-blooded and therefore most active during the warmer months. Alligators are often spotted basking on riverbanks or floating just below the water surface with only their eyes and snout visible. Alligators can grow up to 15 ft. for males and 10 ft. for females. Their jaws are powerful, able to exert over 2,000 lbs. of pressure.

An interesting fact about alligators is the temperature of their nest determines the gender of hatchlings. Warmer nests produce males, while cooler nests produce females.

Alligators are not generally aggressive towards humans and would rather avoid a confrontation. However, if they feel threatened or stressed they will attack. Knowing what to do to avoid an attack and what to do if one occurs is an important wildlife safety skill.

Signs That An Alligator Is Going To Attack

Some signs that an alligator might be getting stressed and that you may be too close include:

• Hissing or loud bellowing
• Raising its head and body higher out of the water (usually meant as a defensive stance to scare you away)
• Opening their mouth
• Starts moving directly towards you
• Tail slapping
• An alligator that doesn’t move back or go back in the water when you approach (but remember-you should never approach an alligator). This may mean that they have a nest near by or see you as a threat.

How To Avoid Unsafe Alligator Encounters

***Disclaimer: Wildlife encounters involve inherent risks. The information in this post is provided for educational purposes only. Wildlife behavior is unpredictable, and the author is not responsible for injuries or damages resulting from outdoor or wildlife-related activities.***

Alligator attacks are rare, and serious injury or death from alligators are rarer. Since 1948, there have been about 500 attacks, with 339 major incidents and 27 deaths. In the majority of cases, the attack was the result of human behavior. Following some simple guidelines can help you avoid unsafe alligator encounters:

1. Keep your distance! Always stay 30-60 ft. away from an alligator. You will also want to stay 20-30 ft. from the edge of the water in areas where alligators are known to frequent.
2. Never feed alligators. This will make them associate humans with food and increase the chances of an alligator attack.
3. Avoid swimming, kayaking, or being near water banks at dawn/dusk when alligators are most active (in areas with known alligator populations).
4. Always keep small children near you around water. If you have a dog with you, make sure it is on a leash.
5. Pay attention to warning signs that might be in the area you are exploring and follow all recommended guidelines for your destination.
6. Pay extra attention for nests. These will often be piles of vegetation located along the water bank. Avoid walking through these areas.
7. Be extra cautious during times when alligators may be more aggressive (mating season from May to September).

What to Do During An Alligator Attack

The above guidelines can help prevent unsafe alligator encounters, but if an alligator does attack, it is important to know how to respond to prevent major injury.

• If you encounter an alligator, stay calm and back away slowly.
• Making loud noises can sometimes deter an alligator from attacking.
• If an alligator charges at you, run away fast in a straight line away from any water source. Alligators can run at speeds up to 30-35mph, but only in short sprints. They get tired easily.
• Seek higher ground away from the water if an alligator is charging. They are more dangerous in the water.
• If an alligator makes contact with you, fight back. Punch/kick the alligator while aiming for the eyes or snout. Do not try to pry the jaw open.
• Playing dead does not work with alligators. Do not do this, always try to fight back.
• If the alligator starts the death roll, which is a full body spinning maneuver they used to subdue and dismember large prey, try to roll with the alligator to prevent tearing while trying to fight back.

***Disclaimer: Wildlife encounters involve inherent risks. The information in this post is provided for educational purposes only. Wildlife behavior is unpredictable, and the author is not responsible for injuries or damages resulting from outdoor or wildlife-related activities.***

At The Navigating Mom, we only believe in and promote ethical and natural animal encounters. We do not promote attractions or destinations that us animals as entertainment. For our full wildlife disclaimer, please see our About Page.

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