Alligators don’t hunt on land and so when an alligator is forced to run it is often running back to the water to escape a perceived threat.
How Do You Measure The Speed Of An Alligator?
To measure the speed of an alligator often times requires that you capture the animal first. This can be done by baiting a trap with food and then waiting for the alligator to enter. Once the alligator is in the trap, it can be measured using a stopwatch to time how long it takes the alligator to run a set distance which is usually back to the water.
Things To Note
Just like humans and other animal species each individual is different so the data you collect will be unique to that particular alligator and can only be an estimate.
The speed of an alligator can also be affected by the terrain it is running on. If the ground is soft, the alligator will have to work harder to move and will therefore be slower.
The temperature can also play a role in how fast an alligator can run. Colder temperatures will make the alligator sluggish and slower whereas warmer temperatures will make the alligator more active and likely to move faster.
Alligators are fast in short bursts but they can not sustain their speed for long periods of time.
The Fastest Alligator On Record
The fastest alligator on record was clocked at 30 miles per hour but it is believed that they can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour in short bursts.
While this may seem fast, it is important to remember that alligators are not built for running long distances and so they will tire quickly.
Alligators are ambush predators and so they will often wait patiently for their prey to come close before attacking. This means that they don’t need to be able to run long distances and so their speed is more of a sprint.
Which Is Faster Crocodile Or Alligator?
While both crocodiles and alligators can reach high speeds in short bursts, crocodiles are generally faster than alligators.
Difference between a Crocodile And Alligator
Both alligators and crocodiles are reptiles that live in water but there are some key differences between the two.
Alligators have a shorter and broader snout while crocodiles have a longer and narrower snout.
Alligators also tend to be darker in color while crocodiles are often a lighter color.
Finally, alligators only live in fresh water while crocodiles are divided into two groups, salt water and fresh water crocodiles. Of the two the salt water crocodile is the largest.
How To Avoid Getting Chased By An Alligator
The best way to avoid getting chased by an alligator is to stay away from their territory. Alligators are often found in swamps, marshes, and near bodies of water. If you are in an area where alligators are known to live, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid swimming in areas where alligators may be present.
Alligator Speeds In Water
Alligators are much faster in water than they are on land and can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour or 32 km/h. This is due to their tail which acts as a rudder and propels them through the water.
Alligators are excellent swimmers and often use their speed to escape from predators or to catch their prey.
Interesting Facts About Alligators
-Alligators can hold their breath for up to two hours at a time.
-An alligator’s jaw is so powerful that it can snap a human in half.
-Alligators are cold blooded and so their body temperature is dependent on the temperature of their surroundings.
-Alligators are one of the oldest species of animals on Earth and have been around for over 200 million years.
-There are two species of alligators, the American alligator and the Chinese alligator.
-The American alligator is found in the southeastern United States while the Chinese alligator is found in China.
-Alligators are carnivores and their diet consists of fish, birds, amphibians, and small mammals.
-Alligators are nocturnal animals and so they are most active at night.
-Alligators have excellent eyesight and can see both above and below the water.
-Alligators use their sense of smell to locate food and they will often roll in carcasses to mask their own scent.
-Alligators are solitary animals and only come together to mate.
-Female alligators will build a nest of vegetation and lay up to 40 eggs.
-Alligator hatchlings are about 6-8 inches long and they will grow to be about 10-15 feet long.
-Alligators can live for up to 50 years in the wild.
