What Do Alligators Eat? Pretty Much Anything They Want

gator with crab in its mouth — Alligators are natural predators of, well, just about everything. patti white photography / Getty Images

Alligators are some of nature’s oldest prehistoric predators. But what do alligators eat, and what is an alligator's natural prey?

These powerful reptiles are opportunistic carnivores, meaning they’ll chow down on just about anything they can catch. Whether they’re young alligators snapping up insects or adult alligators taking down larger prey, their diet is as diverse as their environment.

In the wild, alligators hunt with patience and precision, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. From small mammals to fish, birds, and even the occasional reptile, American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) are apex predators that dominate their habitats.

What Do Young Alligators Eat?

baby alligator with minnow in its mouth — This young alligator's diet entails tiny fish, bird eggs and other protein-rich prey that appeal to such opportunistic predators. Mark_Kostich / Shutterstock

Baby alligators have to start small — literally. Since they hatch from alligator eggs at just a 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) long, their early meals consist of insects, tiny fish, bird eggs and amphibians. At this stage, they rely on quick reflexes to catch fast-moving prey in shallow water.

As they leave the alligator nest and grow, they begin to eat larger food, including small mammals and birds. Young alligators that survive their early years will continue to expand their diet, eventually moving up the food chain as they grow into their powerful adult form.

The Diet of Adult Alligators

Once alligators reach adulthood, their food options expand dramatically. Adult alligators are capable of hunting larger animals, including fish, turtles, snakes and even deer. They use their powerful jaws and ambush tactics to catch larger prey, dragging it underwater to drown before eating.

alligator with alligator tail in its mouth — Yes, that's an alligator tail in this alligator's mouth. These apex predators aren't above cannibalism.
MT Plate Photography / Shutterstock

Male alligators, which grow larger than female alligators, may even attack other gators in their habitat. While their diets vary depending on their environment, one thing is certain: If it moves and fits in an alligator’s mouth, it’s potential food!

How Alligators Hunt and Feed

Alligators hunt with incredible stealth, lurking just beneath the surface before launching a surprise attack. Their ability to hold their breath for long periods allows them to stalk prey without being noticed.

Unlike many predators that chase their food, alligators rely on explosive bursts of energy to capture unsuspecting animals. Some alligators dig shallow pools during dry seasons, attracting fish and other prey to their temporary hunting grounds. Others take advantage of their environment in surprising ways.

Alligators have been observed using sticks as bait to attract nesting birds. Once the bird swoops down to pick up the sticks, the gator instantly snaps the prey up in its powerful jaws.

Feeding Alligators: Why It’s a Bad Idea

Despite their powerful presence in the wild, some people attempt to feed alligators, which can be dangerous for both humans and the alligators themselves.

When wild alligators associate humans with food, they lose their natural fear and may become more aggressive. This can lead to increased alligator attacks, especially in places where people don’t respect wild animals.

While alligators are fascinating creatures, it’s important to admire them from a distance and let them stick to eating their natural prey. Whether they’re young hatchlings or full-grown giants, alligators are expert hunters that have thrived for millions of years without human interference.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.