A Florida resident, Sue Edwards, encountered a rare sight while on a run at Babcock Ranch in Charlotte County. She came across an alligator with another smaller alligator in its mouth. Edwards initially thought the alligator was eating a snake but realized it was another alligator. She stopped to take photos and warned others in the area, especially those walking their dogs. Edwards ran around the loop again and the alligator creeped her out as it sank back into the water with the smaller gator in its mouth.
Alligators are known to be opportunistic feeders, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Their diets include insects, amphibians, small fish, and other invertebrates for juveniles, while adults eat rough fish, snakes, turtles, small mammals, and birds. The FWC stated that alligators can be cannibalistic at times, as they are known to eat other alligators. This sighting of an alligator eating another of its kind is not the first in Florida, with previous instances of such behavior being documented.
In 2023, Barbara D’Angelo captured photographs of a large alligator devouring a smaller one at Orlando Wetland Parks. In 2022, Tammy Shaw filmed an 11-foot alligator eating a smaller gator at Silver Springs in Marion County. The beginning courtship stage for alligators typically occurs between April and June, increasing the likelihood of sightings during this time. Floridians can expect more encounters with alligators as they emerge during these months. Fox News Digital reached out to Sue Edwards for a comment on her unique experience.
The encounter between the two alligators was an unusual and fascinating sight for Sue Edwards as she went for a run around a lake in Babcock Ranch. The alligator with the smaller one in its mouth caught her attention and she stopped to observe and take photos of the strange occurrence. She warned others in the area, especially those walking their dogs, about the alligator she encountered. Despite feeling creeped out by the second encounter, Edwards continued her run and noted the interesting wildlife in Florida.
As an opportunistic feeder, alligators have a diverse diet that includes various prey such as insects, fish, snakes, turtles, and small mammals. The behavior of alligators being cannibalistic has been observed in the past, with instances of them eating smaller alligators. This rare occurrence is not uncommon in Florida, where alligators are known for their predatory nature. The courtship season for alligators begins in the spring months, increasing the likelihood of more sightings as they become more active. The unique encounter experienced by Sue Edwards highlights the fascinating wildlife that can be found in Florida and the diverse behavior of alligators.
