Crocodile Wrangler Rates 12 Alligator Attacks In Movies And TV | How Real Is It? | Insider

How Real Is It? | Podcast

26 Dec 202316:48

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script features Frank Rob, an experienced alligator caller for the State of Florida, who shares insights into alligator and crocodile behavior, particularly in relation to popular media portrayals. He addresses misconceptions about escaping alligators, their underwater capabilities, and the reality of encounters in homes and pools. Frank also discusses the animals' sensory organs, strength, and feeding habits, emphasizing the importance of not feeding wild crocodilians to prevent them from associating humans with food. He critiques several movie scenes for their realism, highlighting 'Lake Placid' for its authentic alligator depiction. The script serves as an educational resource, aiming to inform viewers about the natural behavior of these reptiles and how to safely interact with them in the wild.

Takeaways

🐊 Alligators can close their jaws extremely quickly, faster than a human can react.
🏊 Alligators are faster swimmers underwater than above water, reaching speeds of about 20 miles per hour.
👀 Alligators have good underwater vision and use sensory organs (like dots around their face) similar to sonar for navigation.
🏠 Encounters with alligators in homes are not realistic as they typically avoid human interaction.
🔍 If you need to deter an alligator, making yourself look bigger, making noise, and backing away is advised.
🦈 Crocodiles have powerful bites and are capable of biting through almost anything, including drones that get too close.
🛡️ Crocodiles have osteoderms, which are like a layer of armor on their back, making them nearly impervious to bullets.
🧵 Alligators and crocodiles can be caught using a cable snare, but this method is not recommended for large or aggressive animals.
🍽️ Alligators are not communal eaters and do not share meals; in the wild, they are solitary predators.
💪 Crocodiles are incredibly strong, and no human can match their strength.
🚫 Feeding alligators or crocodiles is dangerous as it can lead them to associate humans with food, causing potential harm to others.

Q & A

What is the purpose of Frank Rob's commentary on alligator and crocodile attacks in TV and movies?
-Frank Rob provides expert analysis on the realism of alligator and crocodile behaviors as depicted in TV and movies, aiming to educate viewers about the factual inaccuracies and realistic aspects of these portrayals.
How does Frank Rob rate the realism of the movie 'Crawl' and why?
-Frank Rob rates the realism of 'Crawl' a very solid one on a scale from 1 to 10, indicating that the portrayal of alligator behavior in the film is highly unrealistic.
What does Frank mention about alligators' abilities compared to humans in terms of speed in water?
-Frank mentions that an alligator swims much faster underwater than above water, reaching speeds of about 20 miles per hour, which far surpasses any human's swimming capabilities, including an athlete like Michael Phelps.
What advice does Frank Rob give for safely getting away from an alligator?
-Frank advises that to escape an alligator, one should make themselves appear larger, make noise, and slowly back away rather than running in zigzags or straight lines.
According to Frank Rob, how do alligators and crocodiles use their sensory organs?
-Alligators and crocodiles use sensory organs called iso's around their mouths, similar to underwater radar or sonar, which helps them detect and locate objects in water.
Why does Frank suggest that firearms are ineffective against large crocodiles?
-Frank points out that large crocodiles have osteoderms, which act like a piece of armor over their backs, helping with thermoregulation but also making them nearly impervious to bullets.
What common misconception about alligators does Frank Rob clarify regarding their jaw strength?
-Frank clarifies the misconception that alligators' mouths can be easily kept shut with little pressure. He explains that alligators have significant strength in opening their mouths, which is why their jaws are usually secured with strong tape during handling.
What mistake do people commonly make that leads to dangerous encounters with crocodiles, according to Frank?
-Frank notes that feeding crocodiles makes them associate humans with food, leading to dangerous encounters. He stresses that wildlife, particularly crocodilians, should not be fed by humans.
How does Frank Rob describe the interaction between alligators and the environment in golf courses?
-Frank describes how alligators on golf courses often become complacent due to either being fed by humans or getting used to human presence, which can lead to altered behaviors and increased risks of close encounters.
What does Frank say about the possibility of an alligator using its tail defensively during a capture?
-Frank mentions that while an alligator's tail is strong, it is unlikely to be used to knock someone over intentionally. Instead, it is used defensively to keep potential threats at bay during close encounters.

Outlines

00:00

🐊 Alligator Behavior and Myths 🎬

In this paragraph, Frank Rob, a 29-year veteran alligator handler for the State of Florida, discusses the reality of alligator behavior as portrayed in TV and movies. He explains that alligators have excellent underwater vision and can swim faster underwater than above. He dispels myths about zigzag running and chasing, instead advising to make oneself big and back away to deter an alligator. He also addresses the inaccuracy of alligators chasing people in homes and emphasizes that alligators prefer to avoid interaction with humans. Frank provides a rating of the movie 'Crawl' and discusses the sensory organs, eyesight, and physical attributes of alligators and crocodiles, including their osteoderms and powerful bite.

05:01

🎣 Catching and Handling Alligators 🪝

Frank details the methods used to catch alligators, such as using a fishing rod and snare, and emphasizes the importance of not attaching the snare to a boat. He shares his experiences with alligators biting boats, which is a behavior seen in alligators that have been fed by humans. He also talks about the historical accounts of large crocodiles being capable of capsizing boats. The paragraph includes a critique of a clip featuring an unrealistic portrayal of an alligator and crocodile behavior, including the species being in the wrong geographical location and the incorrect depiction of communal eating habits among alligators.

10:02

🏌️‍♂️ Alligators on Golf Courses and Feeding Hazards 🚫

The paragraph discusses the commonality of alligators on golf courses in Florida and how their behavior changes when they become accustomed to people and being fed. Frank warns against feeding wildlife, especially alligators and crocodiles, as it can lead to dangerous situations. He also touches on the secretive nature of American crocodiles and the unrealistic portrayal of an individual wrestling an alligator in a clip, emphasizing the strength and defensive capabilities of these creatures.

15:02

🕳️ Alligators in Drain Pipes and Their Natural Habitats 🌿

Frank talks about the frequency of alligators being found in drainage pipes and other water structures, which are part of their natural environment. He shares personal experiences of catching alligators in such confined spaces, explaining how they react when cornered and the techniques used to safely extract them. The paragraph also dispels the myth of alligators using their tails to knock people over and rates the realism of various scenarios depicted in movies, with a particular fondness for the portrayal in 'Lake Placid.'

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Alligator

An alligator is a large, semi-aquatic reptile found in freshwater environments. In the video, alligators are the primary focus, with discussions on their behavior, speed in water, and interactions with humans. For example, the speaker mentions that alligators can swim faster underwater than above and that they are capable of outswimming even the fastest human swimmers like Michael Phelps.

💡Crocodile

Crocodiles are similar to alligators but belong to a different biological family. They are also large reptiles and are known for their powerful jaws and sharp teeth. The video discusses crocodiles in the context of their sensory organs, eyesight, and the myth of their mouth being easily shut. For instance, the speaker talks about crocodiles having 'sensory organs' around their mouth that function like underwater radar.

💡Nuisance Alligator Program

This is a program run by the State of Florida to manage alligators that pose a threat to public safety or property. The video's speaker has experience with this program, which is relevant to the discussion of alligator behavior and human interaction. The speaker mentions, 'I have called alligators for the State of Florida through their nuisance alligator program for going on 29 years now.'

💡Thermoregulation

Thermoregulation refers to an organism's ability to maintain its body temperature within certain boundaries, even when the external environment changes. The video mentions that alligators and crocodiles have osteoderms in their backs that help with thermoregulation. The speaker explains, 'They have something we call osteoderms in their back, this is how they thermoregulate.'

💡Gastroliths

Gastroliths are stones that some animals, like alligators and crocodiles, swallow to help with digestion. They are stored in the stomach and help grind up food. The video script includes a reference to this: 'they have something we call gastroliths in their stomach they're eating bones if they can digest bones then piece of cloth is nothing.'

💡Zigzagging

Zigzagging is a suggested method of escape from an alligator, implying that moving in an unpredictable pattern can confuse the predator. However, the speaker in the video refutes this as an effective strategy, stating that alligators are not known to chase humans. The term is used when the speaker says, 'you're running zigzags, or you know you're running a straight line, they're not going to chase you.'

💡Feeding Habits

The video discusses the feeding habits of alligators and crocodiles, emphasizing that they do not typically share meals and are solitary hunters. This is contrasted with the behavior of some animals in captivity or farm systems. The speaker notes, 'alligators in the wild, you're not going to find sharing a meal, does not happen.'

💡Osteoderms

Osteoderms are bony plates embedded in the skin of some reptiles, providing protection and aiding in thermoregulation. The video explains their function in alligators and crocodiles: 'they have these things in their back called osteoderms it's a solid piece of their back this is how they thermoregulate.'

💡Alligator Wrestling

Alligator wrestling is often depicted in movies and shows as a form of entertainment, but the video emphasizes that it is not a real or advisable activity. The speaker clarifies, 'there's this misconception about alligator wrestling that's not a real thing it's that's an entertainment thing.'

💡Crawl

Crawl is a movie mentioned in the video that is rated for its realism regarding alligator behavior. The speaker discusses the accuracy of the portrayal of alligators in the film, indicating that it is one of the more realistic depictions. The term is used in the context: 'I would rate these clips from crawl, on a scale from 1 to 10 with a very, solid one for Coral.'

💡Saltwater Crocodile

The saltwater crocodile is a species of crocodile that is known for its aggressive nature and is capable of living in saltwater environments. The video script discusses the behavior and strength of saltwater crocodiles, particularly in comparison to alligators. An example from the script is: 'while saltwater crocodiles get a reputation for being very aggressive.'

Highlights

Alligators can close their jaws faster than humans can react, emphasizing the importance of caution around them.

Alligators are faster swimmers underwater than above, reaching speeds of around 20 miles per hour.

To deter an alligator, one should make themselves appear larger, make noise, and back away slowly.

Alligators in homes are common, but the notion of them chasing people inside or outside homes is unrealistic.

Alligators have sensory organs around their mouth that function like underwater radar or sonar.

Crocodiles have excellent eyesight and a nictitating membrane that acts like underwater goggles.

Osteoderms in the backs of crocodiles provide thermal regulation and protection, making them nearly impervious to bullets.

American crocodiles are primarily fish eaters and are not known to actively hunt large mammals like bears.

Crocodiles and alligators can be caught using a cable snare, a method used for research purposes.

Alligators are known to bite boats, usually those that have been fed previously, associating boats with food.

Alligators communicate through bellows, growls, and hisses, which are important for social interactions.

Alligators can jump and snap at humans if cornered or feeling threatened, though this is not their preferred behavior.

The species of alligators depicted in a scene set in India is incorrect, as American alligators would not be found there.

Alligators and crocodiles are capable of digesting bones, and thus can also digest cloth without issue.

Crocodiles are incredibly strong, and no human could match their strength in a confrontation.

Contrary to a common misconception, alligators' mouths are not easily shut with a small amount of pressure.

Alligators are often found in pools in Florida, seeking a temporary resting place while moving between freshwater bodies.

Feeding alligators or crocodiles leads to them associating humans with food, which can result in dangerous situations.

American crocodiles are more secretive and less likely to approach humans than American alligators.

Gators on golf courses in Florida are common and can become complacent due to frequent human interaction.

Alligator wrestling is a fictional concept for entertainment and does not reflect real-life interactions with alligators.

Alligators are most active during dawn, dusk, and at night, often walking out to feed during these times.

The movie 'Lake Placid' is praised for its realistic portrayal of alligators, particularly in the film's final scenes.

Transcripts

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