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Can alligators run fast?

Last Reviewed and Updated on June 10, 2022

Can alligators run fast? Would you be able to outrun one if faced with it in the wild? We got you covered! Learn how fast these animals can run, what distances they can go and how their speed compares to that of an average human.

How fast can alligators run?

Yes, alligators can run or well spring and they can be quite fast. On average, they can reach maximum speeds of up to 9 mph / 14 kmh (source) in short bursts, but will usually be a bit slower. However, they are not built for long-distance running and will quickly tire themselves out if they try to go too far. So being chased by an alligator shouldn’t be your concern, they could go after you but wouldn’t pursue you for long.

Are they faster on land or in water?

They are faster and more agile in water, where they can reach speeds of up to 20 mph / 32 km/h on average.

Can humans outrun alligators?

Now that you know they can be relatively fast you might wonder if you can outrun one? Thankfully the answer is yes, kind of. If you ever find yourself in an extremely rare situation where you need to outrun an alligator for whatever reason, just keep on running.

But first thing first, it is highly unlikely an alligator would chase you on land. It just isn’t in their interest. They have their advantage in water so won’t just randomly decide to start hunting their meals on land.

But let!s entertain the thought.

Alligators run at the top speed of about 9mph / 14 km/h.

Humans run at an average speed of 8 mph / 13 km/h for males and 6.5 mph / 10 km/h for females but the top speed of an average human, especially when running for your life goes up to about 12mph / 20 km/h.

Considering you would probably have some distance between you and the crocodile when both of you would start running, you could escape it even at an average pace as the alligator would tire.

Chances are, your survival instincts would kick in and you would start running at your top speed when faced with this situation so you would be able to outrun the alligator.

We do not however recommend ever trying this. Even though humans are generally faster than alligators, alligators won’t aren’t likely to chase you and even if they were, they wouldn’t for long distances; you could trip and fall. Being faster won’t help you then.

Love alligators? Why not give a read through these fascinating facts about alligators.

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