Alligators are fascinating creatures. Their survival skills are a testament to their ability to adapt and change. But what else do people not know about them? Here are 5 facts about alligators that will surprise you, whether you live in Florida or not.
5 Facts About Alligators in Florida
1. Alligators hunt for prey that is easily accessible and plentiful in the wild. Most carnivores, such as lions or wolves, will actively seek out their next meal, while alligators will wait for an opportunity to eat. Alligators in Florida will typically eat insects, amphibians, fish, snakes, turtles, and other small mammals. However, that does not mean they would not go after a larger prey item like a cow if given the chance!
2. The sex of a Florida alligator is determined by the temperature of the nest during incubation. If the nest temperature is above 93 degrees Fahrenheit, the alligator will be male. If the nest temperature is below 86 degrees Fahrenheit, the alligator will be female. If the nest temperature is between 86 and 93 degrees Fahrenheit, both genders are possible!
3. Alligators and crocodiles may look similar, but there are some key ways to tell them apart. For one, alligators live in different parts of the world than crocodiles. Alligators are found in the southeastern United States and eastern China, while crocodiles are found in Africa, Australia, southeastern Asia, North America, South America, and Central America. Another way to tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile is by their snouts. An alligator’s snout is broad and has a U-shape, while a crocodile’s snout is more narrow with a V-shape.
4. If you’re ever faced with an alligator, the best thing to do is to run away as fast as you can. Forget about trying to zigzag – it’s not going to help. Gators can move really fast on land, but only in short bursts and distances before they tire out.
5. Alligators have some of the strongest bites in the animal kingdom. In fact, biology Professor Greg Erickson from Florida State University researched more about the strength of an alligator’s bite and said, “If you were in the jaws of an alligator and trying to get out, it would be like trying to lift a pickup truck off of yourself.” American alligators rank as having the third strongest bite force in the animal kingdom, following just behind the SaltWater and Nile crocodiles.
We’re pretty sure that you’ve wondered, “Where can I see alligators in Orlando?” And we’re glad to say that you’ve come to the right place!
Choose Boggy Creek Airboats for the best and most unique Florida experience!
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Airboats Tours in Orlando
Discover unaltered territory in the wilderness of the Central Florida Everglades with our airboat captains. You’ll see breathtaking wetlands and wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and birds in their natural environment. Take a wild ride in an airboat to discover the headwaters of the Florida Everglades, just south of Orlando.
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Tours
Different tours and packages are available starting at $30 per child. This exciting and educational airboat ride is filled with surprises and fascination. View wildlife on a U.S. Coast Guard Inspected 17 passenger airboat. Each airboat tour is a unique experience and never the same. You will enjoy whisking across the water while shooting between walls of tall grass. We also have sunsets tours available!
Enjoy one of four unique airboat adventures and idle along canals to find exotic birds, turtles, and the Florida alligator wallowing in their natural environment. Then soar atop the swamp water at speeds reaching 45 mph. You’ll feel like you’re flying through the wetlands as you enjoy the best Everglades experience in Central Florida.
Our captains are selected for their unrivaled safety skills and ability to encourage visitors to understand and respect the environment. They will make sure you get the most of your swamp day and that your experience is unforgettable.
There’s nothing quite like a tour of Boggy Creek on an airboat. You’ll get to see all sorts of wildlife up close and personal and learn about them at the same time!
Above all else, we are dedicated to educating people about Florida’s natural resources through interactive exhibits & live presentations. You’re sure to learn new facts about Florida wildlife with each visit to Boggy Creek.
The temperatures in the Everglades are at their highest in the middle of the day, so we recommend booking airboat rides for either the morning or late afternoon. You will avoid the extreme heat and humidity if you book your ride for these times. Keep in mind that there may be more mosquitoes in the morning.
You’ll love the best airboat tours in Orlando at Boggy Creek!
