Signs of a Threat The alligator will float along the surface of the water and face you. While doing so, it will open its mouth and hiss to keep you from coming closer. If this happens, stay calm. The alligator simply wants you to leave its territory; slowly paddling away should appease it.
Alligators have a natural fear of humans, and usually begin a quick retreat when approached by people. If you have a close encounter with an alligator a few yards away, back away slowly.
If an alligator crosses the road, it's best to just let it cross. Leave it alone. Don't try to pick it up and move it, as it may become aggressive. You should never corner an alligator as it may make them feel threatened, which will make them react defensively.
Retreat: Keep 30 feet away from alligators at all times. If you get too close, back away slowly. Do not assume that alligators are slow and sluggish. They are extremely quick and agile and will defend themselves when cornered.
Alligators are dark colored with a broad, rounded snout and are usually found in fresh water. Crocodiles are grayish-green and prefer coastal, brackish and salt-water habitats. They have a narrow, tapered, triangular snout.
An alligator's bite weighs in at about 2,500 psi. That's nothing compared to the crocodile, though, which has a bite force of about 3,700 psi–higher than some industrial pressure washers! Crocodiles not only have stronger jaws than alligators, they have the strongest jaws in the animal kingdom.
There are no alligators in Australia, only crocodiles. They can live in either fresh or saltwater and are found across much of the top coast of Australia. Both fresh and saltwater crocodiles live throughout Kakadu National Park, so if you do happen to see one, be sure to ask your guide about which species it may be.
Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn, so plan accordingly to reduce the chances of running into them. Although many Floridians have learned to coexist with alligators, the potential for conflict always exists.
Alligators are Most Aggressive During Mating Season and Nesting Season. American alligators are most active and aggressive during alligator mating season, which lasts from April to June. Male gators are on the prowl for a female and can have a home range of over 1,000 acres during the mating season.
The main threat facing the American alligator is the destruction and degradation of wetland habitat. Destruction of wetlands frequently occurs in association with human development.
If you roll an alligator on its back and hold it there, it will exhibit a strange behavior. After 15 or 20 seconds, the alligator will go limp and become unresponsive. It's called tonic immobility and, for a phenomenon so widespread in the animal kingdom, we know surprisingly little about it.
Keep a safe distance if you see a crocodile. Be aware that crocodiles often will bask with an open mouth to regulate their body temperature, and there's no cause for concern if you see this behavior. Swim only in designated swimming areas and only during daylight hours. Crocodiles are most active between dusk and dawn.
Alligators use water to hide from danger because they camouflage so well. The people standing around are in awe of the cat and are even more shocked the alligator seems afraid. Cats are feared by alligators as well because of how rapidly they move.
Alligators can reach speeds of up to 35 mph on land (though they are known to tire quickly). In the water, an alligator can reach a top speed of 20 mph.
Typically, crocodiles are more aggressive than alligators, which makes crocodiles more dangerous than alligators. Alligators are opportunistic feeders, meaning that they're not likely to chase you down unless they're provoked. However, that certainly doesn't mean that you should swim with them.
The alligator's growl, known as a bellow, is primarily used for finding a mate, but can also be used to communicate with other alligators.
Alligators are nocturnal, thus most active from dusk to dawn. Avoid being near the water's edge or swimming during this key feeding time. Alligators lunge from still water to catch unsuspecting prey near the shoreline.
Serious and repeated attacks usually are made by alligators over 8 feet in length and are probably attributed to chase and feeding behavior. Female alligators will defend their nest and young. Alligators quickly become conditioned to people, especially when food is involved.
American alligators produce loud, very low-pitched vocalizations called “bellows”. These rumbling roars communicate the animal's body size to other alligators. Alligators can use this information to avoid unpromising contests for mates and breeding areas.
The state of Florida, where most attacks and deaths occur, began keeping records of alligator attacks in 1948.
September to April is breeding season for crocodiles. Crocodiles are more active during the warmer months of the wet season.
So much so that today, in the Northern Territory, there is one crocodile for every inhabitant! There are about 200,000 Saltwater crocodiles in Australia, mostly in areas around Darwin and the Mary River.
More crocodiles in the NT
There is estimated to be around 100,000 saltwater crocodiles in the wild in the NT. There are more saltwater crocodiles in the NT than Queensland and Western Australia (WA).
Investigators believe the two crocodiles, around 13-feet-5 inches and 9 feet long, “were involved in an incident,” police said in a statement. Human remains found inside two crocodiles are believed to be those of a missing fisherman, police in Australia said Wednesday.