It doesn't hurt the alligator. They tire very quickly because they're cold-blooded. Someone will usually put a towel?I mean, throw a towel?over their eyes because if they can't see what's going on, they'll usually relax a bit. People will jump on the back and use their forearm to get the jaws shut.

To "calm" an alligator, the primary rule is to provide it with space and remove any perceived threat. Alligators are naturally wary of humans and will generally move away if given a clear path to water. If a gator is hissing or performing a "bluff lunge" (moving forward a few feet with an open mouth), it is a warning that you are too close; slowly and quietly backing away is the most effective way to de-escalate the situation. In controlled or professional settings (like gator farms), handlers sometimes "calm" them by covering their eyes with a damp cloth or towel, which can induce a state of tonic immobility. However, for a 2026 traveler encountering one in the wild, you should never attempt to touch, feed, or "soothe" the animal. The "calmest" alligator is one that doesn't feel cornered; maintain a distance of at least 60 feet, and the gator will typically remain stationary or submerge.