Many sounds in nature can (rightfully) cause a bit of fright.
Often, these sounds can be explained by animals—though that discovery rarely provides comfort. For example, a Utah family heard strange, snoring-like sounds coming from their basement. Upon further investigation, they found that bears had taken up residence in their home.
Recently, a paddleboarder shared an odd noise she discovered in the Florida wilderness. What is this noise? And was she in danger?
What’s This Strange Noise In The Florida Everglades?
In a video with over 25 million views, TikTok user @tacticalchic77 shows herself paddleboarding on a river. At first, everything seems calm. The TikToker is simply paddling along, enjoying her surroundings and taking in the sunshine.
However, after a few seconds, her peace is interrupted by a low growl.
“Other side. Now,” she calls back to her son, who is paddling some distance behind her.
The growling continues. As it does, the TikToker makes her way to the opposite side of the river.
While no attack happens, everyone on the river seems pretty frazzled.
“What’d you do to p— him off?” a passerby jokingly asks, referring to the growl.
After a short conversation, the paddlers go their separate ways.
“As a native Floridian, I’m not afraid of alligators,” the TikToker writes in the caption. “BUT, my son and his gf were a ways behind me and anytime you hear that sound it could mean trouble.”
Was This Sound Really An Alligator?
As many commenters noted, this sound did, in fact, belong to a gator—or at least, it matches many recordings of alligator sounds.
If you hear an alligator “bellowing,” it is not necessarily a threat. Alligators bellow for all sorts of reasons. For example, an alligator may bellow to attract a mate, or simply to announce itself to other gators.
That said, you shouldn’t stick around to figure out if the bellow was meant to be threatening. Experts advise that, if you hear a bellow, you should slowly move away from it.
Sudden, rapid movements may cause issues. Instead of worrying, simply take a deep breath and remind yourself that alligator attacks on humans are incredibly rare, and almost all recorded attacks have been preceded by risky behavior. From there, you can back away slowly or move in the opposite direction.
What Is A Bull Gator?
Many commenters insisted that the sound heard was what’s called a “bull” gator.
This is not a separate breed of alligator. Technically speaking, a “bull” simply refers to a male alligator, which tends to be larger than their female counterparts.
However, if you hear someone describing an alligator as a “bull,” that’s probably because it’s just really, really big. The bellows from these large, male gators can be deep and resonant. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, a loud gator bellow can exceed 92 decibels, which is comparable to a lawnmower. Not only that, but it can be “readily heard” at a distance of 150 meters, or around 500 feet.
Given this wide range, it’s important to be vigilant when you hear a gator bellow. Observe your surroundings, identify the location of the gator, then slowly move in the opposite direction.
Commenters Are Freaked Out
In the comments section, users couldn’t believe their ears.
“You can hear it that loud and clearly from above the water???” questioned a user.
“And the fact those other people heard it and weren’t super close…omg,” offered another.
“Been around gators all my life, that was definitely a warning bellow/rattle,” declared a third. “What a beautiful river though! Wow!”
@tacticalchic77 As a native Floridian I’m not afraid of alligators, BUT, my son and his gf were a ways behind me and anytime you hear that sound it could mean trouble. #360video #paddleboarding #alligator #florida
BroBible reached out via TikTok direct message and comment.