how fast can alligators run

Alligators can run on land at speeds up to about 20 miles per hour (32 kilometers per hour) but only in very short bursts, usually around 30 feet or so. They quickly tire and cannot sustain this speed for long, mainly using these bursts for ambushing prey or escaping threats. Their speed on land is impressive for their size but is not a long-distance threat since they tire quickly. In water, they tend to be faster and more agile, swimming at speeds up to 20 miles per hour. Some sources mention even higher figures like 30 to 35 miles per hour, but these speeds are generally considered short bursts and may sometimes be exaggerated. The consensus from experts and firsthand observations is that alligators reach around 20 mph in short sprints on land and are much more adapted for swimming speed and endurance.