Most of us would hesitate to get too close to an alligator, known for their powerful jaws and intimidating presence. They're not only physically robust but also carry a wealth of symbolism, representing everything from danger to resilience. Let's explore these thought-provoking alligator quotes. Let's get a deeper insight into these majestic creatures. We also finished this post on a lighter note with humorous musings. So, make sure to browse till the end!
Quick links to our selection of alligator quotes:
- Alligator Quotes About The Reptile In The Wild
- Quotes About Our Relationship With Alligators
- Metaphorical Alligator Quotes To Think About
- Funny Quotes About Alligators
Alligator Quotes About The Reptile In The Wild
Alligators stand as formidable predators, found in freshwater ecosystems like swamps, rivers, and lakes. As opportunistic feeders, they prey on fish, turtles, and various mammals, showcasing impressive hunting prowess.
With a top speed of 20 mph in the water, they surprise their prey efficiently. Moreover, their bite force, measured at over 2,000 pounds per square inch, is stronger than lions and bears.
After reading the quotes from zookeepers and writers, make sure to save our articles on alligator facts for an in-depth look at these reptiles.
"Alligators and crocodiles are some of the most aggressive creatures on the planet – they'll take down a boat if you come up to their nest."
- Jack Hanna
"Alligator: The crocodile of America, superior in every detail to the crocodile of the effete monarchies of the Old World."
- Ambrose Bierce
"Besides alligators, the only animals to be feared are the poisonous serpents."
- Henry Walter Bates
"The best thing to do is just leave them alone. Alligators want to be away from you just as much as you want to be away from them."
- Jack Hanna
"Three million alligators were killed in Florida between 1880 and 1900. Goody!"
- Will Cuppy
Quotes About Our Relationship With Alligators
Our relationship with alligators is complex. While some may keep them as pets, this is not recommended since they are wild creatures not suited for domestic life. Sadly, others exploit the reptiles for their skin or entertainment.
We should respect them, acknowledge their role in nature, and uphold their welfare with proper treatment and conservation efforts. Here are a few quotes that reflect our various relationships with these reptiles.
"Not much is known about alligators. They don't train well. And they're unwieldy and rowdy to work with in laboratories."
- Diane Ackerman
"It makes my skin crawl to think about the violent ways snakes, lizards, alligators and other exotic creatures are raised and killed for boots, bags and belts."
- Kelly Brook
"Once, when I was golfing in Georgia, I hooked the ball into the swamp. I went in after it and found an alligator wearing a shirt with a picture of a little golfer on it."
- Buddy Hackett
"When I was a little kid, I was the first kid in my neighborhood to have a pet alligator."
- Benicio Del Toro
"My father being an outdoors person, he used to take us on quite a few adventures through the wild areas down there, introducing us to alligators and rattlesnakes and all the trees and plants."
- Jim Fowler
We have applied alligators in many profound metaphors. For example, the reptile can represent hidden dangers. Take the first quote below from Cordell Hull. It suggests waiting until safe before taking risks. Alligators in this saying symbolize potential threats that require caution, teaching us to assess situations and act sensibly.
Discover and decipher more metaphors in the other quotes below.
"Never insult an alligator until after you have crossed the river."
- Cordell Hull
"You've got forever, and somehow you can't do much with it. You've got forever, and it's a mile wide and an inch deep and full of alligators."
- Jim Thompson
"Feed the alligators and you get bigger alligators."
- Helen Gurley Brown
"It's hard, when you're up to your armpits in alligators, to remember you came here to drain the swamp."
- Ronald Reagan
"Really, it was difficult to determine which I had most reason to fear; dogs, alligators or men!"
- Solomon Northup
"I've wrestled with alligators, I've tussled with a whale. I done handcuffed lightning And throw thunder in jail. You know I'm bad. just last week, I murdered a rock, Injured a stone, Hospitalized a brick. I'm so mean, I make medicine sick."
- Muhammad Ali
Funny Quotes About Alligators
Despite their fearsome nature, alligators can also be featured with humor. For instance, Chuck Palahniuk joked about humans being likened to pet alligators. Phyllis Diller quipped about mistaking aged skin for alligator shoes.
These jokes reflect our tendency to find lightness, even when referencing such powerful creatures. Have a laugh as you read the following quotes.
"Maybe humans are just the pet alligators that God flushed down the toilet."
- Chuck Palahniuk
"You know you're old when someone compliments you on your alligator shoes, and you're barefoot."
- Phyllis Diller
"Avoid Florida entirely because alligators exist."
- Mira Grant
"See you later, alligator. After a while, crocodile."
- Bill Haley
