Remarkable Swimmers

In my last blog, I discussed the American alligator’s speed and agility. There is no greater evidence of this than when they are swimming or hunting for food. They truly are masters of the water.

Despite their impressive size, alligators are stealth swimmers who move quickly and efficiently in the water. If you have ever seen one surface in the wild and then go below, it will be quite a distance away before it re-emerges. And they are very quiet, especially as they await for prey to get close enough. Alligators are fascinating creatures to observe in their natural habitat.

As noted in the photos above, often they are difficult to spot while swimming unless they are close enough to the surface to create a “v” pattern of ripples in the water. They will slowly emerge by lifting their eyes and snout, so always look for that before the remainder of their body. This behavior is quite common among alligators.

Give Them Some Space

And a word of caution. If you are hiking in the wild where alligators may be present, be sure to stay a safe distance from the water’s edge. It is a favorite spot for them to surface and bask in the sun. It is likely they will see you before you see them! Remember to respect their space, as alligators can be unpredictable.

Hold Your Breath

These masters of the water can also remain underwater for extended periods. According to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, “Alligators can hold their breath underwater for a long time. Especially if they’re hiding under the water’s surface and waiting for a prey animal to come by. Alligators usually take a breath of air every 20 or 30 minutes. But some can hold their breath for up to 24 hours! Special adaptations give these amazing reptiles the ability to slow their heart rates to just 2 or 3 beats per minute, consuming the oxygen in their lungs at an incredibly slow rate.”