Reptile Expert Explains Hunting Strategy of Alligators and It’s Chilling To Watch
Alligators are fascinating reptiles known for their stealthy and efficient hunting strategies.
As reptile expert Christopher Gillette in Florida shares in his chilling video, posted on October 2, with his alligator buddy, Casper, Let's find out more!
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Yes, Casper may look cute, but he's not a pet, like a dog; he's a wild animal that could attack any minute, which Christopher knows and respects as well. He's obviously trained and spent a lot of time with Casper and other alligators to know their body language, as one wrong move could be fatal.
Alligators play a significant role in the ecosystem of the Everglades, located in southern Florida, and they are one of the most iconic and visible species in this unique and diverse wetland habitat.
However, when alligators come into close contact with human-populated areas and exhibit behaviors that pose a potential threat to people, pets, or property, they are classified as "nuisance alligators" and end up as rescues in so-called wildlife sanctuaries, where Casper is currently being handled by Christopher.
While alligators are primarily ambush predators, which means they rely on surprise and patience to catch their prey and often lie in wait, partially submerged in water, they can also hunt underwater, which Christopher explains in this video.
This type of technique he calls "sweeping" and results in the gator moving its head in slow motion with its mouth open while underwater, hoping to bump into prey. If they do, their jaws will snap really fast.
According to Christopher, they do this a lot to catch fish.
Look at how Casper just effortlessly floats in the water, not making any movements at all. Similar to when gators hunt on land, as they would patiently wait. They can remain still for extended periods, waiting for the right moment to strike.
That being said, this is nothing for the inexperienced, because one wrong move and Casper could also attack Christopher.
If you'd like to come really close to a gator within a safe space, you can book a tour with Christopher and Casper, almost like being in a cage surrounded by Great Whites.
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