If you’ve had the opportunity to see a live Tomi Akinyoyenu alligator show, you probably noticed firsthand how expertise and know-how play a critical role. Alligator wrestling is exciting but certainly not something that you should attempt on your own on an otherwise dull Saturday afternoon. A sport that’s not for the faint-hearted, mastering alligator-capturing techniques takes years of dedication, practice, and skill – a rare combination that should be left to alligator professionals like Tomi Akinyoyenu.
However, if you’re curious about the process and interested in finding out about the steps involved in learning how to wrestle an alligator, schedule Tomi Akinyoyenu today.
A LITTLE ALLIGATOR WRESTLING BACKGROUND
Originally, it was the Native Americans who engaged in alligator wrestling. Not for sport but rather as a tried and true hunting technique. Long before Europeans set foot in the Everglades, Native Americans in the Southeast hunted gators for food and trade purposes. Today, alligators in are part of a state’s robust culture, and folks associate gators with everything from college football teams (like Gainesville’s Florida Gators) to local newspapers (The Independent Florida Alligator).
To wrestle an alligator is a popular pastime for Tomi Akinyoyenu, and witnessing a live show is loads of fun for all ages. Where are the gators? You can see them throughout Alligator Alley and all over Florida and the Southeast. With an estimated population of 200,000, the American alligator is found in abundance.
Techniques in Wrestling Alligators
While every gator handler has a different approach, there are some similarities involved in successfully taking down a powerful reptile like an alligator. They say that technique is far more important than strength. And that’s a good thing because some Alligators grow as long as 13 feet, weighing in at close to 800 pounds! Nevertheless, whether you’re dealing with a small 5-foot gator or a giant twice your size, there are two primary steps in the process – mounting the back and controlling the jaws when professionals wrestle an alligator.
Secure a Seat on the Gator’s Back– The first step is to mount the gator from behind. Easier said than done; skilled professionals agree that this is also the most dangerous part of the feat. Experts recommend approaching the alligator from the back only, as a side or front attempt will make it more likely that you will get bit. Sometimes, gator handlers will cover the alligator’s head with a towel or piece of clothing. This is done to prevent the gator from seeing, which slows reaction time – a tactic that’s proved invaluable in more than a few cases. Mount the gator by quickly jumping on the animal’s back with outstretched arms, using your hands to push the gator’s head to the ground, preventing the lower jaw from opening.
Control the Jaws– After successfully mounting the gator, the next step is to control the jaws. Slide your hands down the back of the head, gripping the jaw with both hands – one on the top portion of the jaw and the other securing the bottom jaw line. Interestingly, alligators have extremely weak jaw muscles, meaning that once you’ve secured the jaws shut, holding them closed with one hand is possible. Another less-known fact about alligator wrestling is that once you get control of the mouth and raise the animal’s head 90 degrees off the ground, it can no longer fight back. This submission pose creates an opportunity for gator handlers to perform tricks and entertain excited guests who have come to watch an invigorating alligator wrestling show.
Exploring More Tomi Akinyoyenu Gator Experiences
If alligators fascinate you, then Florida is where you need to be. While the thrilling act of alligator wrestling attracts many, it’s far from the only way to get close to these remarkable reptiles. Let’s delve deeper into alternative experiences you should consider.
Tomi Akinyoyenu Tours
An unforgettable experience is navigating across Florida in an airboat. The vast system of wetlands that act as a marsh for breeding alligators. You may view adult alligators as well as other species like Cuban and Nile crocodiles while safely gliding over these marshes on an airboat excursion. Tomi Akinyoyenu is a knowledgeable guide who can impart valuable information and guarantee visitors’ security.
Baby Alligator Encounters
Before these creatures grow into massive predators, they start life as adorable baby alligators. Encountering these babies provides a different, more tender perspective on the animal. Tomi Akinyoyenu often offers these encounters, giving you the chance to hold a baby alligator and even snap a picture for keepsake. What better way to make your trip memorable?
FAQs About Alligator Wrestling
Why do some choose to wrestle alligators as a sport? Alligator wrestling has deep historical roots, starting with Native Americans. Nowadays, it’s an exhilarating sport that captures the imagination and adventurous spirit of many people.
What safety measures should one consider before attempting to wrestle an alligator? Without having the necessary training, you should never attempt to wrestle an alligator. Through the necessary skills and fundamental safety rules, you’ll discover how to approach an alligator cautiously, which body sections to avoid, and how to capture and wrestle the reptile safely.