Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Riddle me this...

Would an alligator feast upon a human corpse?

I say not... a friend says yes...

he was quick to point out the "deer in the gators mouth" pics, but my thoughts are that the gator may claim it as his toy, carry it around till he gets tired of it, then go find some chipmunks or nutria to actually eat.

what say ye, o crocodilian experts..??

American Alligators, while not usually placing humans on their "lunch menu" are very opportunistic (sp?) feeders. Especially during times when food sources are scarce. Most likely the deer will have been eaten by the alligator. It is done much like what crocs would do and that would be to take a piece of its body and death roll until a bite sizeable piece was detached.

So in essence, while normally American Alligators wouldn't necessarily "hunt" humans as a food source, if they were hungry enough and nothing else is available then I am sure some unforunate bodies could be on the menu. Especially after their body starts to break down. (yes I know a little gross)

I am by far not a croc "expert", however, I feel I have a pretty sound feeling of their actions and what they will do to survive. Survival is their main goal, no matter how they must achieve it.

If my opinions are false in any way, please feel free to explain otherwise.

I hope this helps,

Chris
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Chris Law
U.A.P.P.E.A.L. (Uniting a Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League)
Herpetoculture Element Representative