Watch a Curious Alligator Launch Itself In the Air and Catch a Flying Drone

Drones are increasingly used to capture nature but here we have a unique example of nature capturing a drone! Over one million people have already viewed this little alligator launch itself out of the water and snap at a small drone that has been hovering above the water. The drone is dragged under the water but what happens after that is unknown!

Crazy Things Found in Alligator Stomachs!

The alligator in this clip is quite small but larger alligators have been found with a very strange collection of things in their stomachs. This shows that gators are not too fussy when it comes to swallowing things.

There are reports of dog tags, bullet jackets and spark plugs being found inside an alligator stomach. Another alligator stomach contained an ancient atlatl dart point arrowhead dating back to 5000-6000 BC. So, how can these animals cope with swallowing such strange objects?

Firstly, alligators have teeth that are replaced throughout their lifetime so they don’t need to be worried about breaking a tooth on something hard. Also, they known to be able to swallow stones and do so to help them digest their prey. We know that swallowing stones can be dangerous for some species, including domestic dogs, because it can lead to intestinal blockages. However, for alligators it is not an issue.

Alligator Diet and Digestion

The highest populations of alligators in the US are found in Florida and Louisiana.

The 10 Best Children’s Books About Alligators Reviewed and Ranked

Alligators have stomachs that are divided into two chambers. The first chamber is the powerful and muscular one. It churns up the food. The second is the most acidic digestive system of any animal! It contains so much acid it can break down nearly every part of the prey and that includes bones, feathers, and even horns.

When they eat a huge meal, gators are able to divert blood that is rich in carbon dioxide to the stomach and this increases the production of gastric acid. This speeds up digestion and stops the stomach from putrefying which could kill the gator. It also enables them to eat huge meals and means that they can consume an animal that is almost a quarter of its body weight in one sitting! They usually eat fish, birds and small mammals but will also attack larger prey.

Up next:

Watch a Jaguar Sneak Attack an Alligator by Pretending to Be an Alligator

Watch An Alligator Sneak Up on A Florida Fisherman Showing Off His Catch

Watch: Is This the Largest Alligator Ever Discovered in Georgia?

Up Next:

• Watch This Florida Woman Feed an Alligator Up-Close, With Predictable Ending
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• The Biggest Alligator Ever Found In Louisiana