Alligator Feeding Frenzy Reported at Stephen C. Foster State Park

The Okefenokee Swamp at Stephen C. Foster State Park is the site of the latest reported alligator feeding frenzy. Approximately 300 alligators cooperatively hunted in a narrow canal while boaters looked on. Is it an odd occurrence, or a normal phenomenon?

Alligators Snapping Up Mudfish

CNN reports that a boater at Stephen C. Foster State Park shot some astounding video footage of an apparent alligator feeding frenzy at Okefenokee Swamp. Roughly 300 alligators cooperated to catch a large population of mudfish. In spite of the huge number of feeding alligators, the boaters nevertheless went onto the water. Wildlife officials at the state park state that "the waters are safe for boaters."

Odd Occurrence at Stephen C. Foster State Park?

It is worthwhile to remember that the 402,000 acres of Stephen C. Foster State Park are home to about 12,000 alligators. Park officials warn that pets are forbidden to ride in boats, and children should stay away from the water's edge to avoid alligator attacks. Where this many alligators live, it should not be surprising to see some of them. Are 300 at one time in the same vicinity, therefore, unusual?

Cooperative Feeding among Alligators is More Common than You Think

The Florida Museum of Natural History begs to differ. In fact, the reported alligator feeding frenzy filmed at the Stephen C. Foster State Park is a natural occurrence that the organization refers to as "misinterpreted and under-reported." Indeed, cooperative feeding along road culverts is a common sight at other locales, but, because only small numbers of alligators are involved, the term "feeding frenzy" hardly applies and, consequently, does not capture national interest.

A number of common denominators in these instances include (1) a large density of prey fish that are (2) swimming with a current through a narrow area, a (3) decrease of territorial behavior and a (4) single-minded focus that generally precludes attention to human beings.

Of course, when some 300 alligators join together in an effort of cooperative fishing - as was the case at Stephen C. Foster State Park - it warrants the description of "alligator feeding frenzy."

Danger to Humans

No matter how intent such feeding alligators might be on their prey, remember that these animals do pose a danger to humans. While the Okefenokee Swamp boaters were fortunate to catch the alligator feeding frenzy on tape and live to tell the tale, it is possible for alligators to attack humans out of what the University of Nebraska terms "aberrant behavior."

Statistics bear out that an alligator that measures less than eight feet commonly strikes with a single bite and then releases the human. Of these encounters, about one-third turn into more aggressive attacks, especially if the alligator measures in excess of eight feet.

Thus, while the sight of the latest "feeding frenzy" makes for a newsworthy and eye-popping report of a behavior common among alligator populations, it is wise for humans to remember that getting close to alligators comes with a risk.

Sources

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/07/27/georgia.alligator.frenzy/index.html

http://www.gastateparks.org/info/scfoster/

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/herpbiology/bartram.htm

http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1074&context=icwdmhandbook