Alligator in ponds is the focus of this article. Here, we discuss different aspects of the interactions of these reptiles with ponds.
If you’ve wondered or had questions about such interactions, this article comes in handy as a ready resource to learn about such.
Areas to be covered include the migration of alligators from pond to pond, safely removing alligators from ponds, and information on their survival outside of water.
What do Alligators Eat?
Alligators are giant semi-aquatic reptiles often mistaken for crocodiles due to their similarity.
These come in multiple species ranging from spectacled caiman, black caiman, Chinese alligator, and the American alligator.
Alligators are creatures of the wild that look scary due to their resemblance to crocodiles. Without a doubt, these creatures can be dangerous to have around your property or pond.
They mostly avoid conflict with humans by moving away when approached. However, they won’t hesitate to attack when danger is perceived.
Alligators feed on small prey, especially those found in ponds. These opportunistic feeders will feed on birds, fish, snakes, small mammals, and turtles.
Juvenile alligators will feed on insects, small fish, amphibians, and other invertebrates.
Alligators May be Sighted in Ponds when you Least Expect
Often, alligators can get into ponds without public knowledge and maybe accidentally notice.
They try to camouflage their presence by laying still while floating or lying at the bottom of the pond. If you suspect an alligator within your pond, consider calling wildlife services for inspection and removal.
Migrating Alligators
One of the things you need to know about alligator behavior is the possibility of moving from pond to pond.
This they do for various reasons, including seeking inadequate exposure to sunlight when there’s completion for food and drying ponds.
Let’s explain each of these points.
-
Inadequate exposure to Sunlight
Ponds with trees are likely to create shady surroundings until the sun rises high. Alligators need sunlight exposure primarily to regulate their body temperature.
That is why they’ll need to spend a significant portion of their time basking in the sunlight.
With too much shade around, such alligators may migrate to a pond whose surrounding areas are exposed. This allows them to bask in the sun much better.
-
Competition for food and other Resources
An alligator will migrate when there’s increased competition for food with other animals. This is common with all animals, and finding another pond increases the likelihood of an abundant food supply.
This is why an alligator may infiltrate your pond without your knowing.
-
Drying Ponds
Drying ponds can also be one of the reasons why alligators move to other ponds.
This is especially true in areas with artificial water retention measures. The changing water level in the pond causes these gators to move to more favorable spots or water bodies.
How Alligators find their Way into Ponds
You’re likely to have been scared-shit if you’ve recently found an alligator in your pond.
This realization brings up tons of questions, including wanting to know how they ended up in your pond. As discussed above, alligators migrate in search of more favorable surroundings.
Your pond may serve as one of such places. It might have crawled in when no one was around. However it came in, you need to rid your surroundings of this creature. Luckily there are several ways to get the job done.
Also, you can adopt a preventive approach that helps keep gators at bay.
Pond Alligator Removal
When alligators are noticed, you can adopt a series of measures to have them leave your pond.
One of the simplest is waiting out until the gator decides to leave. Not many people will find this option viable as such gators might pose a danger to members of your household.
So, if waiting out doesn’t work, you can adopt various measures, including draining the water. A more reliable approach to ridding your pond of a gator is to call for expert help.
There’s also a preventive method to keep these creatures at bay. Let’s discuss some of these points.
i. Draining the Pond
Artificial water retention systems can be much more manageable than large natural ponds.
Here, the water only needs to be drained to make the area less conducive for alligators. This won’t require calling a pro, especially when you know how to drain the pond.
With the pond drained, the gator is exposed and will leave in search of a more favorable water body. However, when the water draining process gets a bit complex, you might need professional help.
ii. Call Wildlife Control
Wildlife control services offer all sorts of solutions, including alligator removal.
These are trained specialists that understand animal behavior.
All you have to do here is point out the problem and get away. However, I must say that this will cost you anywhere from $80 to $200 or more, depending on where you live.
iii. Preventive Pond Alligator Control
After removing the alligator from your pond, you can adopt many approaches to prevent a repeat.
Certain habits may have attracted this reptile in the first place. Things you can do to prevent a repeat of the problem include removing and adequately disposing of leftover food around your yard.
Have a sturdy fence installed around your yard’s perimeter. If there are any openings where gators can get through, have such sealed. Your overgrown lawn might provide ample cover for these reptiles.
So, such lawns are trimmed regularly in addition to eliminating prey species.
Keep Far Away from the Area until Alligator Removal is Completed
Sometimes, there’s a tendency to act stupid around wild creatures.
Such may include purposely swimming in the same pond while they’re in or simply getting too close. Any of these situations can get out of hand.
Alligators may attract to protect their young or when they sense danger.
Alligator in the pond is usually a scary experience for many. We’ve discussed the likely reasons for its presence in your pond. When faced with this situation, follow any of the above steps to find solutions to the problem.