Monster that hunts at dusk

Almost 1.3m alligators lurk in Florida’s fresh waters. They will eat everything from fish, frogs and turtles to pet dogs and cats. They hunt primarily at dusk or in the night – the time of greatest risk for humans. While bites are common, deaths are relatively rare. The best defence is attack – making as much noise and commotion as possible. Poking the alligator in the eyes may also cause it to retreat.

Officials have logged 257 ‘major’ alligator attacks on humans since 1948, with 23 deaths.

Most alligators are naturally scared of people, but lose that fear through being fed.

The animals can cover short distances at a lightning 23mph. They prefer however to bite and pull their prey underwater to drown it.