As a resident and native of Florida, I’ve wondered throughout the years how fast a gator can really run. We’ve heard rumors of them keeping pace with maglev trains, breaking the sound barrier and other magnificent feats, and I think some innate instinct tells us that while they don’t move quite that fast, they are probably not sessile pond ornaments either.
We had a dry spring, and the arrival of summer with our first significant rain of the year brought out many creatures otherwise out of the way. Among the many forms of wildlife rustled by the newly sodden landscape was a small, approximately 4+ ft gator, a yard or two from the back porch. In Florida, this is hardly worth mentioning, and any native has seen too many gators to count.
But we natives also know the gator’s favorite food, which includes pets, especially dogs. I therefore prefer some space between them and the immediate perimeter of the house, thus persuaded the loitering lizard beast back toward the pond.
And yes, somewhat shamefully, I recorded the event, as if it were special. But it’s not all vanity and selfie sticks — there came of it a rare example of a running gator, which I had not previously witnessed.
Based on this particular example, I cannot attest to all the rumors I’ve heard regarding their speed, but I can say they are capable of surprisingly quick sprints.