Alligators have a natural, deeply ingrained fear of humans, which is their primary survival instinct. In the wild, an alligator will almost always retreat into the water or swim away if a person approaches. They are also wary of anything larger than themselves, which is why they tend to avoid adult manatees or large boats. However, the biggest "threat" an alligator fears is actually a larger alligator; they are highly cannibalistic, and dominant males will frequently eat juveniles. In 2026, wildlife experts emphasize that "nuisance" alligators—those that don't flee when they see humans—have often lost their fear because they were illegally fed. A peer-to-peer safety essential: while they may seem "fearful," never mistake an alligator's retreat for harmlessness. They are apex predators that will defend themselves if cornered, and a nesting female will aggressively "hiss" and charge anyone who gets too close to her eggs. Respect their space by staying at least 60 feet away, and never feed them, as that "fear" is what keeps both the gator and the public safe.