Why Alligators Bite Humans: Study Blames Our Risky Behavior

A groundbreaking study from the University of Florida has cracked the code on why alligators snap at humans: it’s almost always our fault. Analyzing nearly three centuries of data, from 1734 to 2021, researchers found that 96% of alligator bites stem from human inattention or downright risky behavior.

Swimming in alligator-infested waters? Wading where you know they lurk? That’s what the study calls moderate-risk behavior, and it’s the leading trigger for most bites. The real danger zone, though, is high-risk moves—like diving headfirst into waters teeming with these toothy reptiles. Fatal attacks, unsurprisingly, often follow such bold choices.

Low-risk actions, like strolling near a lake or just existing on dry land, rarely provoke a chomp. The message is clear: situational awareness is your best defense. As Professor Frank Mazzotti put it, skip walking your tiny dog by alligator hangouts or swimming where signs scream ‘gator zone.’

Teaming up with Centre College in Kentucky, the researchers used the CrocBITE database, internet sleuthing, and wildlife agency insights to build a first-of-its-kind ranking system for human behavior before an encounter. Their takeaway? These aren’t random ‘attacks’—they’re preventable. So, next time you’re in alligator country, keep your wits about you, and maybe don’t treat the swamp like your personal pool.