# Can an alligator climb onto a boat (in deep water)? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 15, 2016, 9:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-alligator-climb-onto-a-boat-in-deep-water/757407 "2016-06-15T09:21:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![pullin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c57346/32.png) [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2016, 9:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-alligator-climb-onto-a-boat-in-deep-water/757407/1 "2016-06-15T09:21:41Z")
Prompted by the thread about the child being grabbed in Florida, I’m somewhat concerned about this. As someone who overnights occasionally on lakes known to have 'gators, I wonder how much danger this presents. I hunted around on YouTube and found [this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFAFvf7HsJw) clip of an alligator attempting to board a boat, but it appears they’re in shallow water and the animal is pushing himself up from the bottom. I’m wondering if a similarly sized animal could board a boat in deeper water where tail or feet had no solid purchase. I’m particularly curious when the boat in question has a low stern and easily accessible aft platform like, say [this](http://cdn1.nautal.com/test/media2/boats/110/x/110756.jpg) one. In fact, I’m concerned about that exact configuration. So, is it possible for an alligator to somehow gain enough purchase (perhaps by thrusting with its tail) to enter a boat from deep water? If so, is there a good way to repel such an attempt? ---
**Author:** ![Claverhouse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/13edae/32.png) [@Claverhouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Claverhouse)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2016, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-alligator-climb-onto-a-boat-in-deep-water/757407/2 "2016-06-15T16:02:03Z")
Sometimes, but it’s considered best to give them a hand. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2016, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-alligator-climb-onto-a-boat-in-deep-water/757407/3 "2016-06-15T16:14:53Z")
With something of a run and some luck a gator may be able to make it into the average pleasure boat in deeper water; something like a john boat no problem. But I would wonder why. I would almost thing you would have to bait or taunt the animal into the attempt. ---
**Author:** ![xizor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xizor/32/102_2.png) [@xizor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xizor)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2016, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-alligator-climb-onto-a-boat-in-deep-water/757407/4 "2016-06-15T16:54:30Z")
> [@pullin](#): > > So, is it possible for an alligator to somehow gain enough purchase (perhaps by thrusting with its tail) to enter a boat from deep water? From trips to Gatorland as a kid, I have witnessed them thrust 5 feet or so out of water to grab a chicken, so it is definitely within their capability. ---
**Author:** ![Mighty\_Mouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mighty_mouse/32/7776_2.png) [@Mighty\_Mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Mouse)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2016, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-alligator-climb-onto-a-boat-in-deep-water/757407/5 "2016-06-15T17:20:14Z")
> [@xizor](#): > > From trips to Gatorland as a kid, I have witnessed them thrust 5 feet or so out of water to grab a chicken, so it is definitely within their capability. About 20 years ago I was on an Everglades airboat tour in Florida. The operator was throwing bread on the surface of the water to attract birds to the surface of the water. Suddenly there was a 6 foot gator flying through the air completely out of the water trying to grab a bird right out of the air. Good thing I didn’t have a full bladder. So yeah getting into the airboat would have been no problem, but apparently they just have no reason to do so. ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2016, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-alligator-climb-onto-a-boat-in-deep-water/757407/6 "2016-06-15T22:16:29Z")
The stern of the boat in OP’s link may as well have a “'Gators! Free Buffet Inside! Come On UP!” sign - the boarding platform with a walk-through is bad enough, but the platform even has a rim around it for a claw to attach. The 'gator that took the kid was just doing what every predator tries to do: find a young, slow, and weak member of he species which has fallen behind the herd. A small child on that platform has to be hoping that _ **every** _ 'gator in the lake is already full, 'cause if not, he’s a quick snack. ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2016, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-alligator-climb-onto-a-boat-in-deep-water/757407/7 "2016-06-16T00:55:39Z")
[This crocodile gets some pretty good air!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0pZ4rsObu8) Gators may be able to do the same. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2016, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-alligator-climb-onto-a-boat-in-deep-water/757407/8 "2016-06-16T05:31:44Z")
Apparently, alligators can be tamed, housebroken, taught not to snap at people, and learn to ride ATV’s. :dubious: They make fine pets, and will follow you around like a puppy dog, and cuddle up in bed with you, and play nice with the neighborhood children. [Florida Woman Fights to Keep Her Pet Alligator Who Wears Clothes and ‘Rides’ ATVs](http://abcnews.go.com/US/florida-woman-fights-pet-alligator-wears-clothes-rides/story?id=37717980) (I’d keep it well-fed, though.) ---
**Author:** ![Pai325](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Pai325](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pai325)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2016, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-alligator-climb-onto-a-boat-in-deep-water/757407/9 "2016-06-16T05:39:33Z")
> [@Senegoid](#): > > Apparently, alligators can be tamed, housebroken, taught not to snap at people, and learn to ride ATV’s. :dubious: They make fine pets, and will follow you around like a puppy dog, and cuddle up in bed with you, and play nice with the neighborhood children. > > [Florida Woman Fights to Keep Her Pet Alligator Who Wears Clothes and ‘Rides’ ATVs](http://abcnews.go.com/US/florida-woman-fights-pet-alligator-wears-clothes-rides/story?id=37717980) > > (I’d keep it well-fed, though.) That poor deluded woman. Either she, or someone she knows, will end up like that woman who had the tame and friendly chimp rip off her face. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2016, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-alligator-climb-onto-a-boat-in-deep-water/757407/10 "2016-06-16T05:41:42Z")
> [@Senegoid](#): > > Apparently, alligators can be tamed, housebroken, taught not to snap at people, and learn to ride ATV’s. :dubious: They make fine pets, and will follow you around like a puppy dog, and cuddle up in bed with you, and play nice with the neighborhood children. > > [Florida Woman Fights to Keep Her Pet Alligator Who Wears Clothes and ‘Rides’ ATVs](http://abcnews.go.com/US/florida-woman-fights-pet-alligator-wears-clothes-rides/story?id=37717980) > > (I’d keep it well-fed, though.) Beware any ATV-riding alligator who wants to take you for a spin. “She tried to make me wear a bowling shirt and I just snapped.” ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2016, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-alligator-climb-onto-a-boat-in-deep-water/757407/11 "2016-06-16T13:11:34Z")
The boat in the OP looks difficult to board for an alligator that won’t fit through the narrow gateway in between the platform and the main body of the boat. Maybe some simple gate would provide sufficient safety. I have heard of gators in Florida ending up in people’s swimming pools and unable to get out so tail propulsion and they’re little legs may be not be good enough to get on a boat like that, but there are also plenty of stories about gators getting onto land in unlikely places also. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2016, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-alligator-climb-onto-a-boat-in-deep-water/757407/12 "2016-06-16T14:22:19Z")
> [@Claverhouse](#): > > Sometimes, but it’s considered best to give them a hand. Well, yes, as long as you like the nickname “Lefty”. Regards, Captain Hook ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2016, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-alligator-climb-onto-a-boat-in-deep-water/757407/13 "2016-06-16T17:23:28Z")
Q: Don’t most boat captains keep a marine pump shotgun on board and in the cabin below deck? Not that this (or Piracy) comes up a lot, but somehow I thought it went with the tool-box and the first aid kit… secured behind the cabin door. ---
**Author:** ![pullin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c57346/32.png) [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 10:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-alligator-climb-onto-a-boat-in-deep-water/757407/14 "2016-06-17T10:08:12Z")
Thanks to everyone for the replies. It seems that alligators are much more able to get “aloft” than I realized. Yikes! I guess my options are: a) encourage certain in-laws to lounge on the swim step (“Here Jim Bob, take this bucket 'o chicken with ya.”), or b) a bigger gun. 😛