00:00If one day you find yourself in front of an alligator, know that there is a simple tip to get you off the hook.
00:07This method has allowed a young visitor from Moss Park in Florida to escape the grip of an alligator.
00:13Juliana was swimming in shallow waters when an alligator bit her leg and struggled not to let go.
00:19Luckily, the young girl knew exactly how to react, having followed the instructions given carefully during a visit to a park dedicated to alligators.
00:29She first tried to hit the animal on the skull, but without success.
00:33She then applied her knowledge by pushing two fingers into the predator's nostrils.
00:37The alligator, looking for air, then opened its mouth, thus releasing its leg.
00:43We do not seek to frighten tourists, but know that about 5 million wild American alligators travel through 10 states.
00:51Some of them settle in places where you could relax.
00:55Golf grounds, swamps, lakes, rivers, hiking or cycling trails, and fishing areas.
01:02However, alligators rarely attack humans because we are not part of their natural prey.
01:07It is dogs and horses that cause incidents much more often.
01:11That said, as a predator of ambushes, alligators have a reputation that amplifies each attack relayed online.
01:19The best way to survive an attack, as rare as it may be, is to avoid it.
01:24Be vigilant to the signs of their presence.
01:26These reptiles love sunny areas.
01:29So if you see trunks or particularly exposed banks, it is possible that an alligator is lurking there.
01:36They can also be discreet, only letting water emerge from their eyes and muzzle while taking advantage of the sun's rays.
01:42When they dive back, they do so with such subtlety that no splash betrays their movements.
01:50During the season of love, which usually begins in April and lasts until June, alligators become very noisy.
01:56If you hear a powerful roar resonating in the swamps, it is very likely that it is an alligator in full nuptial parade.
02:03And if you see what looks like a bunch of vegetation on a dry area near the water, keep your distance.
02:09It is very likely an alligator nest.
02:12And believe us, it is better to avoid meeting a female when she watches over her young.
02:17Their footprints, similar to those of lizards or dinosaurs, are a clear indication that it is time to move away quickly.
02:24In general, it is humans who provoke these reptiles with formidable jaws, rarely the opposite.
02:30This often happens when they try to catch the best cliché or, out of curiosity, try to touch their tails.
02:37Feeding them is also a very bad idea.
02:40Because they quickly associate humans with an easy source of food.
02:46If you find yourself facing an alligator, try to keep your cool and respect its territory.
02:52For example, if you are kayaking and you see an alligator lurking in the water,
02:57be content to pass calmly at a distance and continue to paddle.
03:01Above all, avoid hitting the water with your paddles, which could cause it.
03:06If, despite your precautions, the alligator is heading towards you, stay calm and do not give in to panic.
03:13Paddle quietly or show that you are not a threat.
03:17If this is not enough and an alligator tries to drag you underwater, focus your efforts on its sensitive points.
03:24Although their muscular body and skin similar to an armor protect them effectively,
03:30they have small pigmented areas on their skin, filled with sensitive tactile sensors, even more sensitive than the tip of our fingers.
03:37These areas even react to the slightest vibration.
03:41And scientists have several ideas about the usefulness of these spots.
03:45Some think they could work as cleaning stations, secreting oils to keep the skin in good condition.
03:52Others suggest that they could detect electrical or magnetic fields, or even changes in the salinity of the water.
03:58However, recent studies show that they are especially suitable for detecting pressure or vibrations,
04:04ranging from slight undulations to almost imperceptible stimuli.
04:08If you are attacked, try to aim for its eyes, hit the top of its skull or the sides of its jaw.
04:17If you are in the water, the main danger comes from drowning, much more than biting.
04:23Get back to the mainland as soon as possible, because humans are much more agile on the ground than alligators.
04:28That said, once out of the water, stay vigilant.
04:31An alligator can hit you with its tail or even its skull.
04:34The good news is that these reptiles are not known for their endurance in the race.
04:39On the mainland, it is rare for them to chase humans, and even if they try, they struggle to keep a long distance.
04:47Their top speed is about 15 km per hour, but they can only keep it for a short time.
04:53So you have every chance of escaping, provided you run in a straight line and not in a zigzag.
04:59Contrary to what an idea claimed, it would only slow you down.
05:04However, in the water, they are much faster and can reach 30 km per hour.
05:10In addition, alligators can hold their breath underwater for about half an hour.
05:15And some have even set records of staying submerged for 24 hours.
05:19They do this because their heart rate can slow down to only 2 or 3 beats per minute,
05:24allowing them to consume the oxygen in their lungs in an optimal way.
05:28Their eyes, judiciously placed at the top of their heads,
05:32allow them to monitor what is happening above the water while remaining hidden.
05:36But not everything is lost.
05:40If you manage to sneak behind the alligator, without triggering its instinct to attack,
05:45you can exert pressure to keep its jaw closed.
05:49Although their bite is impressive, they have a lot of trouble opening their mouths when it is firmly held.
05:55You can even try to turn it on its back, which could put it in a state of calm.
06:00Finally, inserting an object behind its throat should trigger a vomiting reflex.
06:05If none of these techniques work, make as much noise as possible.
06:09This could scare the alligator and alert people nearby who could call for help.
06:15However, if someone wants to intervene to help you, it is essential that they stay on the ground.
06:21Throwing yourself in the water to try to help you would considerably reduce your chances of success.
06:28All this can work with alligators, but may not be effective against crocodiles.
06:34The first method to distinguish them is to observe their muzzles.
06:39Alligators have short and robust muzzles with rounded ends, resembling a large U-shaped shape.
06:47Crocodiles, on the other hand, have longer and slender muzzles, ending in a point, evoking a V-shaped shape.
06:55Also look at their teeth.
06:57In alligators, when they close their mouths, only the upper teeth protrude, mainly facing down.
07:03Crocodiles, on the other hand, have more regularly spread teeth, some pointing up and some pointing down.
07:11Alligators, lovers of fresh water, live in ponds, swamps and lakes.
07:16Crocodiles, on the other hand, love both fresh water and salty coastal waters.
07:23In general, alligators are more peaceful than crocodiles, but both can be dangerous, especially when they are hungry.
07:30If you come across one in the wild, keep your distance and admire it from afar.
07:37Despite the obvious risks, some people still find it attractive to have an alligator as a pet, even if it is most often illegal.
07:45The first problem is the space required.
07:47This little 18 cm alligator, which you find adorable, will eventually become a gigantic animal, especially if it is a male.
07:55With its 80 teeth and muscles capable of exerting a pressure of more than 1,300 kg, an alligator is a real machine to grind.
08:04These animals are also very smart.
08:06They can learn to escape their enclosures, anticipate your actions and even use tools to reach their end.
08:13One might think that it is possible to train them, but it is not at all like teaching a dog to roll.
08:19Trying to tame their wild instincts requires years of experience and the help of a whole team.
08:24In addition, their appetite is insatiable and they require a huge amount of food.
08:30Finally, their life expectancy often exceeds 50 years.
08:34So, the day you can no longer take care of it, or that you will no longer want it, good luck to find someone ready to take care of it.
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