Florida is well known for its alligators, but what some people might not know is that a certain type of crocodilian in the Sunshine State has actually achieved world records.
That’s according to the Guinness World Records organization, which lists this species thanks to its unique features.
More specifically, it’s the American Alligator, which was recorded by the GWR in October 2015. It is listed as the “noisiest crocodilian,” reportedly capable of making sounds that can reach 92 decibels.
In fact, its bellowing has become such a staple during breeding season that it’s become the stuff of legends.
“The noisiest crocodilian is the American alligator Alligator mississipiensis, native to the southwestern USA, including Florida. Its bellowing during courtship, demarcating territory, or when aggravated can be readily heard from a distance of 150 m. At a distance of 5 m, this roaring sound measures approximately 92 decibels, which is almost as loud as standing next to a small propeller aircraft.
Scientists believe that this species emits such exceedingly loud bellows because its natural swampy habitat does not readily permit the maintaining of visual communication, so in order to attract mates it has evolved very effective vocal communication instead. Interestingly, it has no vocal cords, producing its ear-splitting bellows by sucking air into its lungs and then forcefully expelling it again.”
Guinness World Records, “Noisiest Crocodilian”
But that’s not all.
The American Alligator also holds the world record for being the “most maternal crocodilian,” as females may look after their young until they reach around 4 years old in some cases.
[BELOW: Deadly alligator attack at Lake Kissimmee in Polk County]
However, similarly to mating and nesting seasons, these females can become aggressive if their offspring stick around for too long.
“The most maternal species of crocodilian is the American alligator Alligator mississippiensis, native to the southeastern USA, including Florida. The adult female is known to look after its young for as long as four years after hatching, although up to three years is more common. This is much longer than maternal care provided by any other crocodilian species.
Although the adult female American alligator does exhibit a longer period of maternal behaviour towards her young than other crocodilians do, and which features considerable vocalisation between mother and offspring, this maternal behaviour gradually lessens as the youngsters grow older.
Eventually, the female becomes actively aggressive towards them, which encourages them to disperse and thus become independent.”
Guinness World Records, “Most Maternal Crocodilian”
That being said, it’s never a good idea to tangle with alligators if you can avoid it, even if they are exhibiting some maternal instincts.
If you want to steer clear of where these massive reptiles gather, click here to see the most gator-infested lakes in Florida.
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