Watch an Alligator Sneak Out of the Water and Snag a Feral Pig

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Written by Hannah Crawford

Updated: November 10, 2023

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alligator with its mouth hanging open
Deborah Ferrin/Shutterstock.com

Catching prey isn’t always about preference. This means that when we research what food an animal will eat, those are normally just the top foods that animal is known to eat. But you’re not going to see an animal passing up a kill of convenience. For example, an alligator may prefer to eat turtles. But if a baby hog has found its way across his path, he’s not going to pass up that type of opportunity. 

The next video posted below takes us to the Myakka River State Park in the great state of Florida. Which just so happens to be the second state in America with the most alligators, with Louisiana being the first. 

How Many Alligators Are There?

Alligator okefenokee swamp

The American alligator was once an endangered species, thanks to hunting and habitat loss. However, legal protections have allowed these reptiles to rebound and thrive.

There are estimated to be a very populous amount of alligators that exceed four million. The majority of this population can be found in the top two states, Louisiana and Florida. Louisiana is said to have approximately two million, and Florida to have 1.3 million. 

The rest of the alligator population can be found mainly in Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Oklahoma. 

A lone alligator has found himself sneaking up onto the shoreline. He has found a baby hog that is wandering alone. As a baby, this wild hog doesn’t know the dangers of being close to the water’s edge. This is one of the most dangerous places to be because all animals need water. So, this is where all predators can be found. 

This baby hog had done his due diligence of looking around to make sure the coast was clear. However, it doesn’t negate the fact that predators were lurking in the water below and possibly predators in the treeline as well. 

large wild feral hog, pig or swine (sus scrofa) sow running in an open field in central Florida, in evening yellow light, dry grass background, nuisance animal, destructive, apparent mother

The moment this baby hog turns his back is the moment when the alligator slowly starts to walk up to him.

This alligator is smart and waits to strike at the perfect moment. And that opportune moment is when the baby hog is relaxed and not looking around. The moment this baby hog turns his back is the moment when the alligator slowly starts to walk up to him. Once only a few feet away, he rushes in and grabs the wild hog.

Now that he has this hog by the throat, he knows the easiest way to complete this kill would be by taking it to the water to drown it. Not only is this the safest way for the alligator to complete his kill, but also the safest way to ensure no other predator steals his meal.

Once the alligator gets back in the river, he immediately goes under. Then, those who are filming the incident pan the camera out, and we see four alligators spread across this river coming for some food. We hear the lady comically remark, “Dinner bell.” 

How Large are American Alligators?

Wildlife of Florida Urban Areas American Alligators in Central Florida in rural Florida

Male alligators that are unusually large can top the scales at over 1,100 pounds.

Males of the American alligator species are larger than females. American alligator males range between 11 to 15 feet, although on average, they are over 11 feet. Females range between 8 and almost 10 feet, although on average, they are 8 feet. Males that are unusually large can top the scales at over 1,100 pounds. The largest alligator on record was found near Gainesville, Florida, and was an incredible 1,043 pounds and 19.2 feet in length.


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About the Author

Hannah Crawford is a writer at A-Z Animals where she focuses on reptiles, mammals, and locations in Africa. Hannah has been researching and writing about animals and various countries for over eight years. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Communication\Performance Studies from Pensacola Christian College, which she earned in 2015. Hannah is a resident in Florida, and enjoys theatre, poetry, and growing her fish tank.

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