Raccoons + Alligators = BFFs? Not So Fast …

A raccoon riding on the back of an alligator sounds like something out of a children’s book. Yet this post from DGKidd407 appears to show a resourceful raccoon hitching a ride across the Ocklawaha River on a passing gator. According to the photographer, they were trying to snap a photo of the alligator when the startled raccoon leaped onto the gator’s back. However, what’s the real story here? Are raccoons and alligators besties, or did this reckless raccoon jump out of the frying pan into the fire?

Close Encounters

Skeptics may doubt the photo is real, but raccoon and alligator encounters do happen. The Ocala National Forest north of Orlando, Florida is home to hundreds of animal species. The forest is around 400,000 acres and contains over 600 rivers and lakes. So, it’s common for diverse wildlife to interact in this ecosystem.

However, the photographer reports that when the raccoon found itself in this predicament, it jumped off and bolted before the alligator submerged. An odd accident is much more believable than a raccoon deliberately surfing on the back of a gator. It’s not surprising some question the photo, though, as it depicts extremely unusual behavior for both the raccoon and the alligator.

Raccoon and Gator Behavior

Wildlife experts explain that a startled raccoon is highly unlikely to jump toward the water as a first choice. A raccoon fleeing a perceived predator will run for the woods or climb the nearest tree. Some believe the panicked raccoon could have mistaken the camouflaged gator for solid ground before quickly realizing its mistake.

Despite their armored scales, alligators have a keen sense of touch. Researchers have discovered they have small sensory spots speckled on the skin all over their bodies. These spots are even more sensitive than a human’s fingertips. So the alligator would have felt the raccoon land on its back. Alligators thrash when touched, so the gator’s reaction would have been swift and aggressive. However, it is possible the gator didn’t have time to respond if the raccoon jumped off immediately after the photo was taken.

Common Ground

Although raccoons and alligators prefer different habitats, one thing they have in common is water. Raccoons live in forested areas and make their dens in tree cavities close to water. Not only do the raccoons live off the fish, crayfish, and frogs in the Ocklawaha River, but they also need the water to dunk their food. Their paws have nerve endings that become more responsive when wet. This gives the raccoon more information about what they’re planning to eat.

Alligators live in freshwater rivers, lakes, ponds, and swamps like those found in the Ocklawaha River Valley. They feed on fish, snakes, turtles, birds, and any other animal that is easy to catch. Alligators depend on external heat sources for warmth, so they bask along the river shore to raise their body temperatures. They also build nests for their eggs in the river floodplain forest.

Raccoons and Alligators Don’t Mix

Despite being neighbors, raccoons and alligators are definitely not friends. In fact, one might say they are natural enemies. Predators, usually raccoons, cause the destruction of around 1/3 of alligator nests. Raccoons not only eat the eggs, but they also eat baby alligators if the mother gator leaves the nest unattended. Some researchers estimate as high as 80% of young alligators are killed, and raccoons are one of the main offenders.

Adult alligators will eat any animal that comes near the river bank. Since the water in the Ocklawaha River is essential for raccoons, alligators frequently eat the unlucky individuals that venture into the river. No matter how the raccoon ended up as a passenger on that scaly vessel, it was smart to jump ship instead of going down with it.