How, Exactly, Did This Gator Climb a Fence?

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Written by Trina Julian Edwards

Published: January 16, 2025

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American Alligator, alligator mississipiensis, Adult with Open Mouth Regulating Body Temperature
slowmotiongli/iStock via Getty Images

We normally think of military bases as having some of the best security in the world. There’s no doubt this is true when it comes to defenses against human intruders. However, security measures weren’t good enough to keep a determined alligator from scaling a fence at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida.

The video above shows footage of the scaly trespasser easily climbing the chain-link fence, then flopping onto the grass on the other side. News anchors seemed surprised to see the gator showing off his climbing expertise, but climbing is a common skill among crocodilian species, including American alligators. Keep reading to find out more about this lesser-known alligator ability.

Florida Alligator Habitats

Gators are common in all of Florida’s 67 counties. They can be found throughout the state’s 11 million acres of freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Every year, researchers at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission conduct an alligator census. Recent data indicates around 1.3 million alligators call the Sunshine State home.

Alligators Are Agile Climbers

When we think about alligators, most of us picture them floating through the water or lounging on riverbanks. Yet some crocodilian species are agile climbers, despite lacking obvious adaptations to do so. Their sharp claws help them gain a foothold, while their powerful bodies propel them vertically—both upward and downward.

Research has shown that alligators climb trees to surveil their territory and for thermoregulation. So alligators climb for a better view and to locate a good sunbathing spot when the ground is unsuitable. Researchers have found that some alligators can climb as high as 13 feet. So most fences in developed areas cannot deter a motivated gator trying to escape captivity or find water.

Alligator at Everglades National Park, Florida

Why Did the Gator Climb the Military Base’s Fence?

The Jacksonville Naval Air Station is located on a peninsula with the St. John’s River to the west and the Ortega River to the east. The base’s 1,300 acres also include a variety of wetlands that are attractive to gators, such as marshes, swamps, and bogs. The rogue reptile was likely in search of water, viewing the fence as just another obstacle on the journey.

Alligator Management

The state of Florida has a robust alligator management program. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission runs the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP), which removes threats from developed areas while conserving alligators in their natural habitats. In keeping with state-approved alligator management protocol, officials at the Naval base said they had no plans to relocate the alligator unless it became a danger to humans.


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About the Author

Trina Julian Edwards

Trina is a former instructional designer and curriculum writer turned author and editor. An avid reader and a relentless researcher, no rabbit hole is too deep in her quest for information. The Edwards Family are well-known animal lovers with a reputation as the neighborhood kitten wranglers and cat rescuers. When she is not writing about, or rescuing, animals, Trina can be found watching otter videos on social media or ruining her hearing listening to extreme metal.

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