Myth #1. You should run zigzag if you come across an alligator. This is a common misconception. ... However, if an alligator does make an aggressive charge, run fast and straight (away from the alligator, of course).

Can alligators move fast on land?

Alligators can reach speeds of up to 35 mph on land (though they are known to tire quickly). In the water, an alligator can reach a top speed of 20 mph. That's faster than a bottlenose dolphin.

Can alligators outrun humans?

It's very rare for an alligator to chase a human on dry land. And the average human could easily outrun an alligator, zigzagging or not — it tops out at a speed of around 9.5 miles per hour (15 kph), and it can't maintain that speed for very long [source: University of Florida].