Mating Season on the Farm

It’s the time of the season…That’s right! It’s mating season here at Alligator Alley and love is in the air. As the weather warms up in April, male alligators begin courtship and set their sights on a mate for the season. Although male alligators are not monogamous, they usually mate with just one female per mating season.

Fun fact: Rising temperatures wake up the reptiles’ metabolisms and they become more energetic and travel further in search of food and mates. 

The mating rituals of alligators include the first introduction, which is a low bellowing sound that helps the male attract their mate. Male alligators often slap the water with their tails, which cause vibrations to occur in the water.

Don’t forget – just like any other animal, alligators will also release an odor from their musk glands to make sure their mating partner knows they are there!

Once the females have mated for the season, they begin to build nests to lay their eggs. These are made from mud, plants and sticks found around the swamp. After the mother alligator lay the eggs (which could be 20 to 50 eggs), she covers them in her nest and the incubation period begins. This process will last roughly 65 days, hatching in mid-August or early September.

If you’re interested in reading more about the harvesting of eggs, we’ve got it all here! Or, if you’re ready to visit these creatures in their element, stop by Alligator Alley. And remember, our live feedings happen every day at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Come grab a spot in the bleachers and stay for a wild show! We’ll see you soon!

For more information, or if you have questions about visiting Alligator Alley, call us at 251-946-2483.