Alligators are fearsome predators that can grow to be as large as 23 feet long and weigh up to 2,000 pounds. Their powerful jaws can exert a bite force of 3,700 psi, roughly the same pressure as the concentrated weight of 1.5 tons in a single bite. To put it in perspective, that's nearly three times the bite force of a great white shark.
However, the man was unable to stop them and instead took the shovel and lunged at the group of crocodiles, causing them to panic and jump into the pond-like body of water.
The video was shared on X by user @tintinades on Thursday, and the post has been viewed more than 4 million times. The post was quoted by user @TheFigen_, who said, “Are alligators afraid of shovels?”, and has been viewed more than 45 million times.
Are alligators afraid of shovels?pic.twitter.com/fXXqghr0b2
— Figen (@TheFigen_) August 22, 2024
Several of the crocodiles stand defiantly there, mouths wide open and sharp teeth bared in an attempt to intimidate the man, but the man remains undaunted and smacks the stubborn crocodiles over the head, sending them retreating.
Responding to the daredevil's stunt and users' questions, one user on X commented, “Apparently all animals hate being hit in the face with a shovel,” while another commented, “Captive crocodiles are used to being trained with shovels so they're afraid to jump in the water when they see a shovel, but wild crocodiles probably aren't afraid of shovels.”
Regardless of how these alligators reacted to the shovel, we definitely don't recommend attempting such a stunt.
