What happens when the weather gets bad?

You will get wet! Our facility is nearly all outdoors. However, the fun doesn’t have to end because of the rain. We only close for extreme weather like thunder and lightning. You can bring your own rain gear, or we sell ponchos in our gift shop if you’re caught off guard. We also offer rain checks if things get too rough outside to stay open.

Are you open year-round?

Typically, we close during most of the winter because of lack of alligator activity. It also gives our crew a chance to take a break, as well as keep the park in tip-top shape. Our website and Facebook page are the best places to find up-to-date info. about park hours and closings. Different times of the year can offer a different view into to the life of an alligator. During the colder months, the alligators are highly visible but less active, while during the warm months they are very active but spend most of the time in the water to escape the excessive heat.

What do alligators do in the winter?

Everything an alligator does, as with most reptiles, is temperature contingent. Meaning, if they are cold then they don’t do much. This includes eating and activity in general. They enter a state of torpor or brumation, which is when they become very sluggish due to the cold weather and their body functions slow down. Their heart rate slows, and digestion stops entirely if the temperature is low enough. This does provide a very good chance to view the over 600 alligators on the property as they will be on the bank trying to take in as much heat as they can.

Where is Captain Crunch?

Captain Crunch mostly resides in the back of the swamp (he likes to keep to himself). Alligators in general are very territorial and the bigger they are, the more territory they can control! In the wild, an adult male will even patrol miles of territory.

What is in the alligator chow?

Contrary to what it may look like, our alligator chow is specifically made for our animals. Its ingredients include a lot of different things, but about half of it consists of meat. Beyond that, it has bone and fish meal, corn, dried animal blood cells and a few bad kids thrown in there for flavor (just kidding!). It provides a healthy snack for our alligators and they love it! Who wouldn’t want to feed an alligator up close and personal?

Do you have more questions for us or our alligators? Stop by Alligator Alley and ask the alligators yourself or submit your questions on our Facebook page! To speak to one of our experts, contact us here or visit our website.

Here’s a quick update before we dive into his Q&A: Captain is in his late 30s, he’s 13’2” and 800+ pounds – now that’s what we call a big fella!

Q: We hear you have a world record for bite strength – what’s your favorite food to munch on?

A: Anything I can get close to! Top favorite – feral pig leg (but not from my friends on the farm!).

Q: Where’s your favorite sunbathing spot?

A: I prefer to be alone in the swamp covered in mud and scouting out my next meal. I don’t typically bask in the sun… unless there’s snacks.

Q: How did you earn the name “Captain Crunch”?

A: I own this place, so the name Captain is quite fitting. The ‘Crunch’ doesn’t need an explanation, right?

Q: What’s the biggest adventure you’ve been on at Alligator Alley?

A: I’d tell you, but then I’d have to… Just kidding. I’d say the wildest adventure I’ve tackled during my time in the swamp would be stealing all the food at the live feedings from all the other alligators! They know to back off when Captain’s hungry. Speaking of hungry…

Captain Crunch heard the dinner bell and quickly scurried away to beat the crowd. Do you have any questions for Captain or one of the other alligators? Shoot us an email at info@gatoralleyfarm.com and we’ll add you to our newsletter, where you can receive updates on all things Alligator Alley! For now, check out our profiles on a few swamp favorites here. Remember, we’re open seven days a week, 10-5 and have live feedings every day at 11, 1 and 4. Tune in on Facebook soon to spot Captain crunching on some lunch!