Watch Two Gators Have a Total Brawl on a Golf Course

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As a golfer, shooting a good round with the natural hazards around the course is challenging enough. However, the presence of two large, brawling alligators adds a new difficulty, making sand traps feel like a simple putt. 

In a recent viral video, a group of golfers were lining up for their next tee shot when chaos erupted on the course. Two large alligators appeared near a small body of water and began an all-out battle against each other.

Towards the end of the clip, both gators escape into the water as more players approach the scene. However, as the final seconds show, the fight does not appear to be over yet. 

Sand Traps, Water Hazard, and Gators…

While many golfers prepare for the natural challenges on the course like sand traps and water hazards, very few expect to meet a pair of alligators during their rounds. The following sections will provide a quick overview of how likely you are to experience a gator on a golf course and what to do if you find yourself near an alligator brawl. 

How Common is it for Gators to be on a Golf Course?

The odds of running into a gator on a golf course depend widely on where you choose to play. Seeing an alligator lounging near a golf course pond isn’t unusual in states like Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. However, the chances of running into one while playing in western or northern states are slim. 

These reptiles are opportunistic and often live in the water hazards of golf courses, where they can bask on the greens when they aren’t hunting or hiding. 

Golf courses provide an ideal habitat with plenty of water, food, and open space with minimal human interference (aside from the occasional lost golf ball).

Where are Gators Typically Found?

Alligators are generally native to the southeastern United States, particularly freshwater lakes, swamps, rivers, and marshes. Their presence isn’t necessarily a sign of danger, but it does mean golfers need to be aware of their surroundings. 

Do Alligators Commonly Fight Each Other?

While alligators may seem lazy and slow-moving as they bask on banks, they can be fiercely aggressive when provoked. Fights between gators happen more often than people think, especially when resources or territory are at stake. 

Here’s a closer look at why these battles often break out:

Territorial Disputes

Alligators are highly territorial, and it’s fairly common for a dominant male to claim a section of a lake or marsh for himself. A fight is almost guaranteed to happen if another gator wanders too close. These clashes can be intense and often involve lunging, jaw snapping, and the famous gator “death roll.”

Mating Competition

During mating season (April to June), males become particularly aggressive. They bellow, slap the water, and charge at rivals to establish dominance. Unfortunately, a full-on battle can ensue if two males set their sights on the same female. These fights can last several minutes, with both gators using their powerful jaws and tails to overpower the other.

Food Scarcity 

While alligators usually hunt alone, competition for food can lead to violent encounters. If one gator tries to steal another’s catch, a fight can break out, sometimes even leading to cannibalism. In areas where food is scarce, these encounters become even more intense. 

Defensive Behavior

If an alligator feels threatened by another gator or even a human, it may lash out in self-defense. While they aren’t naturally confrontational toward people, surprising a gator or getting too close can trigger an aggressive reaction.

Size and Social Hierarchy

In the alligator world, size matters. Larger gators dominate smaller ones, often bullying them out of prime basking or hunting spots. A fight will likely follow if a younger or weaker alligator challenges a dominant one. 

These battles can be brutal, with gators using their powerful tails to slam opponents and their jaws to clamp down with crushing force. In some cases, the loser is driven away, while other battles result in severe or even fatal injuries.

What Should You Do if You Encounter Gators Fighting?

If you ever witness two alligators brawling, especially on a golf course, your best move is to keep your distance. Gators can move surprisingly fast on land, and their fights are unpredictable.

Along with keeping your distance, you should also:

• Remain calm
• Alert the golf course staff or local wildlife officials
• Avoid getting closer for a picture to record the action

While gator fights may look like a scene from a nature documentary, they’re a natural part of alligator behavior. Seeing these massive reptiles in action is a reminder that even on a peaceful golf course, nature’s wild side is never too far away.