Alligator how fast can it run

As you probably guessed, it depends on several factors, including age, gender, body size, and physical condition. Based on data uploaded to the workout app Strava more than million runs!

However, these numbers apply to long term runs. We get a much more reliable and precise answer if we have a look at how humans perform in short distances. While While every situation is different, we can assume that in most cases you have a pretty high chance of outrunning an alligator.

So yes, the answer is that an average human can outrun an alligator. However, if you approach their nest or get too close, you can get in trouble. Keep in mind that within very short distances alligators can move much faster than humans.

Running in a zig-zag to outwit an alligator is a piece of advice that you can often hear. In fact, the opposite is true: running in a zig-zag just slows you down and shortens the distance between the alligator and you.

So by doing that you just increase the chance of being caught. This way you have a real chance of outrunning it. Believe me, this is the best tip you can get. While on land you have a really high chance of outrunning an alligator, in the water the odds are against you. On the other hand, the maximum speed that a human has ever reached swimming is 5. Of course, an average person swims way slower than that. If you live in a place where alligators are common such as Florida or South Carolina , you have a pretty high chance of encountering one.

An average alligator can run on land at a maximum speed of 11 mph. However, this speed applies to healthy animals and short distances only.

More From Reference. What Are the Seven Weather Elements? What Is a Megadrought? Here's What's Happening in the American West. The only species in the United States is the American Alligator which is what we are referring to in this article. The average size of an adult alligator is feet and 1, pounds according to National Geographic.

Even with that size, they can reach a nice speed! Can a gator chase you down and catch you. Well, yes, of course they can. However, alligators can not maintain their highest speed for long time. Remember, these are water creatures, and they do not like to hunt on land. Generally speaking, alligators will leave you alone if you do not approach them or get near their nests or young. If a gator hunts down a big animal, it will take it to the bottom and stuff it under a log.

This will allow the dead animal to soften up and rot for easier eating later. Alligators like to eat smaller things whole.