All About Alligators

all about alligators

Oh my, what sharp teeth you have… or are they?

Although most alligators have 80 teeth, they are not very sharp. Matter of fact they are not sharp at all and this big guy doesn’t look like he has very many of them left. That’s because, kind of like sharks, they are constantly losing or breaking their teeth. Without having molars, only conical shaped teeth and massive jaw muscles, it makes it hard to chew so all those teeth are imperative for chomping down on their food. Luckily, their teeth grow back fast. Alligators regenerate teeth as quickly as humans regrow fingernails. Roughly 2,000 to 3,000 teeth in its lifetime. Alligators live to be 30 – 50 years so that’s a lot of teeth!  Are their teeth worth hunting?

So…..What Do Alligators Eat other than People? 

Contrary to popular belief, gators could eat a person at any given time but it’s not their favorite cuisine. They normally just want to catch the easiest prey. Frogs, fish, turtles, birds, small pets and mammals. However, If they feel threatened or are protecting their nests, they can become very aggressive and attack bigger animals and yes, humans too. Whatever it may be that they are hunting for, once they have grabbed ahold of their prey that mouthful of teeth and massive strength comes in hand. Having one of the strongest bite forces on earth, nothing is going to escape that grip unless the alligator decides to let it go. Smaller prey can be easily swallowed in just one bite but when they encounter a larger species they do the death roll (roll their entire body around until the meat is able to be swallowed). Alligators have a natural fear of humans but don’t end up as a gator snack. Keep an eye out for them and pay attention when outdoors. FACT: Gators have night vision so they see very clear in the dark. They also have excellent hearing through both air and the water. So even if you can’t see or hear them, you best believe they are watching you!

Do NOT Feed Alligators! EVER

dont feed alligatorsFeeding alligators is illegal. If you feed them they will begin to relate people with food and we do not want to encourage that! Let them fend for themselves. There is plenty of food to go around. Contact between humans and alligators will never be avoided, just do your part to not end up as gator bait!

Hatchlings will typically feed on on smaller prey such as crabs, minnows, snails, and worms. Although many Floridians have learned to coexist with alligators, the potential for conflict always exists. Serious injuries caused by gators are rare in the sunshine state, but if you are concerned, call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286. The FWC will dispatch one of its contracted alligator trappers to resolve the situation.

 

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