According to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, an American alligator can develop up to 11.2 feet (3.4 meters) long and weigh over half a ton (1,000 lbs. or 454 kg). Chinese alligators are little, reaching lengths of only 4.6 to 4.9 feet (1.4 to 1.5 m) and typically weighing about 50 lbs (22.7 kg). If you ever see an alligator in your backyard or somewhere it’s not supposed to be, don’t approach it. A handful of people spotted an alligator and didn’t heed this advice. It didn’t end well for one of the men. A video shows a middle-aged man approaching an alligator with a towel. On land, alligators frequently defend their territory. They do not run away as other animals do. Keep a minimum of 15 feet between you and the alligator because they won’t likely attack until you approach their nest or corner them. One is supposed to leave the area and find a safe place if one acts aggressively. This man, though, pursues even further. He tosses a white towel over the head of the beast, which the alligator clearly doesn’t like. His reaction should’ve been enough for the men to leave.
A Major Mistake
As the gator begins to back up, almost looking to leave the area, the man in pursuit manages to hover over the animal with one leg on each side. He slowly reaches his arms out to grab the alligator by the head but got a reaction he wasn’t expecting. The animal starts trashing its head around and quickly knocks the man on his bum. He manages to get a bite in on the arm and attempts to bite one of his legs. At one point, we think the gator is going to throw the man around a bit more. Instead, the gator backs up as the man begins kicking him in the face. Hissing, opening their mouth, and turning their heads or bodies in your direction are examples of warning indications of hostility. Immediately get away from these alligators. Alligator removal attempts can result in injuries to people. That is never a wise move. Approaching the alligator with food, honking at it, or hurling things at it are all equally likely to set off an attack as they are to clear a path.
Up Next
Watch This Alligator Eat a Whole Turtle, Shell and AllAlligator Catches This Opossum Effortlessly with Shocking SpeedAlligator Found Outside Florida Elementary SchoolSee a Texas Hunter Bring in a Huge Alligator
