Alligators are opportunistic feeders and will eat just about anything they can catch and kill. Their diet consists of fish amphibians reptiles birds mammals and carrion. Young alligators eat mainly insects frogs and small fish.
Alligators can go without food for long periods of time especially if they are able to find a good basking spot where they can sun themselves and conserve energy. If an alligator is unable to find food it will begin to lose weight and will eventually die.
In captivity alligators are usually fed once or twice a week. A healthy alligator will eat about 10% of its body weight in a single feeding. For example a 500-pound alligator will eat about 50 pounds of food at one time.
While alligators can go without food for long periods of time they must have access to freshwater to stay healthy. Alligators will drink large quantities of water at one time and can often be seen basking in the sun with their mouths open to help regulate their body temperature.
If you are concerned that an alligator may be hungry and looking for food it is best to avoid contact with the animal and call your local wildlife authorities.
How long can an alligator go without eating?
Answer: Alligators can go up to two months without eating.
What do alligators eat?
Answer: Alligators eat fish reptiles mammals and birds.
How do alligators kill their prey?
Answer: Alligators kill their prey by biting it and then twisting or shaking it until it breaks.
What is the alligator’s tongue used for?
Answer: The alligator’s tongue is used for sensing prey and for licking wounds.
What is the alligator’s teeth used for?
Answer: The alligator’s teeth are used for biting and tearing prey.
How fast can an alligator run?
Answer: An alligator can run up to 11 mph on land.
How fast can an alligator swim?
Answer: An alligator can swim up to 20 mph in water.
How long is an alligator’s tail?
Answer: An alligator’s tail is about 1/3 of its entire body length.
How much does an alligator weigh?
Answer: An alligator can weigh anywhere from 500 to 1000 pounds.
How long is an alligator’s lifespan?
Answer: An alligator’s lifespan is about 50 years.
How do alligators mate?
Answer: Male alligators will bellow to attract females and then will mate with them in the water.
How many eggs does a female alligator lay?
Answer: A female alligator can lay anywhere from 20 to 50 eggs.
How long does it take for alligator eggs to hatch?
Answer: Alligator eggs take about 65 days to hatch.
How long do alligators stay with their mother?
Answer: Alligators stay with their mother for about 2 years.
What is the alligator’s natural predators?
Answer: The alligator’s natural predators include humans bears large birds of prey and large cats.
