Alligators are prehistoric-looking reptiles that inhabit swamps, marshes, and lakes, mainly in the southeastern United States. One of the most notable behaviors of alligators is hissing, which often makes people wonder – why do alligators hiss?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Alligators hiss as a form of communication. Hissing is one way alligators warn off threats, signal dominance, and communicate with each other.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll take an in-depth look at alligator hissing. We’ll cover what hissing sounds like, the reasons alligators hiss, how hissing functions in alligator society, and some interesting facts about alligator vocalizations.
What Does Alligator Hissing Sound Like?
Loud Exhalation Through the Nose
When an alligator hisses, the sound is produced by a forceful exhalation of air out of its nostrils (Schneider et al., 2010). This creates a loud, blasting sound, similar to a sudden release of pressurized air.
According to zoologists, the hissing noise serves as both a warning to potential threats and a communication signal to other alligators (AZA, 2018).
Measurements of alligator hisses in controlled studies have shown that the sound can reach volumes as high as 90-100 dB, which is similar in loudness to a lawnmower or motorcycle (Garrick & Lang, 1977). So when you hear an alligator hiss nearby, it’s impossible to ignore!
The tremendous noise is sufficient to startle predators and competitors so the alligator can either attack or retreat into the safety of the water.
Similar to a Snake Hissing Sound
Many people describe the hissing sound of an alligator as reminiscent of a snake hiss, but magnified in volume and intensity (Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, 2019). This common comparison is likely due to the shared origins of crocodilians and snakes as reptiles.
However, the actual mechanism for generating the sound differs between the two groups of reptiles.
While snakes hiss by forcing air through a specialized glottis in their throat, alligators lack this structure and instead blast air powerfully through their nostrils (AZA, 2018). But the resulting sounds share a similar raspy, sibilant quality between both snakes and gators.
So if you’ve ever heard a snake respond in irritation, the same basic sound kicked up 10 notches gives you an idea of an angry alligator’s fierce hiss!
Why Do Alligators Hiss?
Alligators use hissing as a form of communication for a variety of reasons. This ancient reptile has retained the ability to vocalize to stake claims, ward off threats, attract mates, and connect with others of its kind.
Understanding the meaning behind an alligator’s hiss can provide insight into their behaviors and mannerisms.
To Warn Off Threats
When an alligator feels threatened, a hiss serves as its first line of defense. This loud and intimidating vocalization puts would-be attackers on notice. Much like a rattlesnake shakes its tail, the hiss announces that an altercation could have serious consequences.
This allows the alligator to potentially scare off land or water bound predators without having to engage in combat.
To Signal Dominance
During mating seasons or times of territorial dispute, male alligators will project bellowing hisses to proclaim dominance. A bull gator stakes its claim over prime habitat and female gators through loud and repeated hissing.
The reverberation advertises its size, power, and unwillingness to back down from confrontation. This helps establish hierarchy without the risks associated with physical attacks.
During Courtship
Interestingly, hisses also play a role in alligator courtship. When receptive, female gators will use a modified closed-mouth hiss to signal availability and attract mates. What begins with a hiss ends weeks later with the hiss’s purpose fulfilled − eggs to sustain the next generation of gators.
To Communicate with Other Alligators
Alligators are not completely solitary creatures. Their hisses, grunts, and bellows aid communication important for survival. Hatchlings stay in groups for safety and use hisses while intermingling. Adults warn each other of threats while also signaling possession of food or mates.
These exchanges are essential parts of alligator life, culture, and relationships.
So whether used to fend off adversity, establish hierarchy, foster reproduction, or enable community – the alligator’s mighty hiss serves them well. Understanding the varied meanings of the raspy vocalization provides insight into the behaviors of nature’s most formidable reptilian relic.
The Role of Hissing in Alligator Society
Establishing Dominance Hierarchies
Alligators use hissing as a way to establish social hierarchies and defend territory. The hiss serves as a warning to other alligators that they are encroaching on claimed area. More dominant alligators will hiss loudly and aggressively to scare away subordinate individuals.
This allows them to maintain prime nesting sites, basking spots, and feeding grounds. Research has shown that male alligators with the deepest hisses tend to be more reproductively successful, as the hiss signals their strength and status to potential mates.
Defending Territory
Hissing plays a key role in an alligator’s defense of its territory. Alligators are highly territorial, especially mature males. When an intruding alligator enters their domain, resident alligators will emit a loud, intimidating hiss as a warning. This hissing often successfully deters the intruder.
If not, it may escalate to physical confrontation. The hiss serves as a way for alligators to first communicate “this is my territory, back off!” without engaging in dangerous conflict. It helps maintain spatial boundaries between neighboring alligators.
Locating Mates
During mating season, male alligators advertise their availability through bellowing roars called “bellows.” However, the hiss comes into play when interested females are in close proximity. Males will emit low-frequency hisses to call mates toward them.
The male may also hiss as the female approaches, enabling her to zero in on his location through sound. This is important because courtship and mating take place in the water where visibility is poor. The hiss allows male and female alligators to find each other for reproductive purposes.
According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, hissing plays a role in at least 20% of alligator courtship activities.
Interesting Facts About Alligator Vocalizations
Alligators Have a Wide Repertoire of Sounds
Alligators have an impressive array of vocalizations, with at least 9 distinct calls identified by researchers so far. These range from hisses and bellows to grunts and coughs. Each sound serves a specific purpose in alligator communication.
For example, females make a bellowing sound to call their hatchlings, while males use infrasound vibrations (too low for humans to hear) to signal territorial dominance.
One of the most recognizable alligator calls is the loud, deep bellow that males make during mating season. This thunderous roar can be heard up to a mile away and helps attract females. Researchers have found that bigger, more dominant males have lower-pitched bellows, signaling their size and strength to competitors.
Hatchlings Can Hiss From Birth
Baby alligators enter the world ready to communicate. Hatchlings can hiss loudly right from the moment they break out of their egg. This primitive vocalization helps warn predators to stay away. It’s one of the first lines of defense for vulnerable newborn gators.
Amazingly, scientists have discovered alligator hatchlings in different regions hiss in unique dialects. Their hisses contain distinct accents and frequencies based on where they live. Researchers think this helps alligators identify members of their own clan or population.
The Pitch and Volume Convey Meaning
Beyond the type of call, alligators can also alter the pitch, volume, and duration of their vocalizations to change the meaning. A short, low hiss signals submission, while a long, loud hiss is a warning.
Believe it or not, alligators even use infrasonic vibrations around 15 Hz to chatter and communicate while underwater!
In terms of volume, alligators have a wide 30-decibel range to choose from when conveying mood and intent. Analyzing these intricate details helps scientists learn more about alligators and understand their secret swamp language.
Conclusion
In summary, alligators hiss for several key reasons relating to communication, territoriality, and mating. Hissing allows alligators to warn off predators and rivals, establish social dominance, defend territory, and locate potential mates during breeding season.
The ability to hiss is innate in alligators and helps regulate their complex social lives. While menacing to humans, hissing is a normal part of alligator behavior and communication.
