Wild Facts About The American Alligator

American Alligators Are Not To Be Trifled With

• DANGEROUS! Stay away from these reptiles!
  • While seldom aggressive unless provoked, adult American Alligators are large, dangerous predators that can easily overpower and drown an adult human.
  • Under no circumstances should the average person deliberately grab, touch, attempt to pick up, feed, or otherwise disturb these reptiles.
• Exercise extreme caution when in areas they inhabit, especially at or near the edges of bodies of water.
  • The presence of little alligators often indicates the presence of much larger adults.
  • Author’s Note: Very few animals scare me, but adult American Alligators manage the feat. I took the photo of the North Carolina pond featured in the image gallery below with a telephoto lens from inside my car, with the doors locked and my foot on the gas. I stay far away from the waters’ edge anywhere in southeastern United States, from North Carolina south, and recommend everyone do the same.
• The American Alligators featured in the image gallery live in the Florida Everglades National Park—a tremendous natural area and a true national treasure.
  • I took all photos with a telephoto lens from a very respectful distance, while my husband kept careful watch on our surrounding area.
• American Alligators are truly magnificent animals, worthy of our admiration, respect, and protection. For the most part, they pose no direct threat as they don’t seem to care much about what humans are doing around them. At the same time, they are extremely powerful predators. No matter what nonsense you see on TV—take these reptiles seriously and give them the space and respect they deserve.