Quote:
Originally Posted by SandiG
Moving here from Colorado for years we lived around coyote, elk, deer, mountain lions, bears, bobcats, etc. At NO TIME did we have to use a gun in town. Why? Simple: WE DIDN'T FEED THE WILDLIFE. If you are worried... Best thing to do is carry bear spray. It works folks !! and from afar. Whistles also work. Its funny how animals can live around humans but somehow humans have such a hard time living around wild animals.
We were wondering since we kayak if bear spray would work on alligators.  |
I would be extremely skeptical that an irritating spray would be very effective on alligators. These sprays are usually intended to irritate the eyes, nostrils, and throat of the target.
Alligators have an extra protective membrane over their eyes (and under their eyelids) called a nictitating membrane. This membrane reflexively moves to protect their eyes when they feel something might touch their eye. This membrane allows them to keep their eyes open under water without irritation. I would expect it to also protect them from irritant spray.
The gators can also close their nostrils, perhaps minimizing irritation from a spray, and they have a large muscle that closes off their throat so they can open their mouth under water to attack prey.
In addition, if you spray a gator when it is in the water, it can quickly submerge to wash off the spray, and return.
You might want to review the Florida Fish and Wildlife brochure on "Living with alligators."
http://myfwc.com/media/152524/Alligator-Brochure.pdf