Alligators bellow at Florida zoo, video shows: ‘It sounds like something out of Jurassic Park'
Photo credit: Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
FOX NEWS - As the weather gets warmer, alligators are likely to come out in full force for mating season in the coastal South. Just this month, alligators have been seen knocking on people’s windows, disrupting golf tournaments and crossing busy streets.
RELATED: Pesky alligator knocks on Florida woman's door, peeks inside window in video
Aside from roaming farther from the water in search for mates, alligators also bellow — a prehistoric sound that was caught on video at a Florida zoo last week.
In a video posted on Facebook from the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens in Naples, Florida, three alligators can be seen bobbing in the water, making loud growling or roaring sounds.
A person nearby can be heard comparing the sound to dinosaurs.
“It sounds like something out of Jurassic Park,” the person is overheard saying.
According to the zoo’s caption on the video, alligators bellow all year, but they do it more often during mating season.
“Alligators also may bellow to communicate size to each other,” the zoo said. “While both males and females bellow, males can reach a lower frequency, which causes the water to ‘dance’ on their backs, like you can see here with the gator in the middle!”
One commenter wrote: “Good thing they are at the zoo and not in my yard!”
Another person said: “To me, that sound means, ‘I'm going to est (sic) you alive if you come near me!’”
Someone else joked about snoring, saying: “From what I'm told, this is me sleeping.”
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), alligators begin courting in early April and mate in May or June.
Aside from roaming farther from their lagoons, warmer temperatures also revs up alligators’ metabolism, making them more active and aggressive as they hunt for prey and mate.
The FWC recommends not swimming during dusk or dawn — an alligator’s most active hours — keeping animals on a leash and away from water and keeping a safe distance if they come into contact with the large creature.
Fox News' Allie Raffa contributed to this report.
Get updates on this story at FoxNews.com
Is It Too Early? Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte Is Back
Starbucks has officially launched its fall menu, bringing back the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte. In this week’s "Like It or Not," we debate whether it's time to embrace sweater weather or hold onto summer a little longer.
Titusville rejects plan to double stormwater fees, approves 13% increase
Titusville residents will see a 13% increase in stormwater fees after the City Council rejected a proposal to double rates to help pay for flood-control improvements.
Casselberry residents divided over peacocks
Peacocks are dividing a Casselberry neighborhood, where some residents say the colorful birds are damaging property and creating sanitation problems while others argue they are part of the community's charm.
Orlando Weather Forecast: Tracking storms
Big storms tonight around central Florida, FOX 35 Storm Team Senior Meteorologist Noah Bergren is tracking the showers and storms and where they are heading.
Better Bakehouse Snack Company recalls chocolate dipped donuts over undeclared milk allergen
The Better Bakehouse Snack Company is recalling certain lots of their donut snacks after one person reported having an allergic reaction.
Orlando weather: Strong storms moving across Central Florida
The FOX 35 Storm Team is tracking several strong to severe thunderstorms moving through Central Florida. FOX 35's Noah Bergren has the latest forecast and update.
Florida rejects $17 billion Meta settlement over social media’s impact on children
Florida has rejected a proposed $17 billion settlement with Meta over allegations that Facebook and Instagram have harmed children through addictive social media features, opting instead to continue its legal fight against the technology company.
See list: Facebook and Instagram’s new limits on kids under settlement: Daily caps, no nights, forced pauses
The settlement calls for Meta to make major changes that would limit when children could use its social media services, give parents more control over their kids’ accounts, and implement more safety protocols.
Florida rejects Meta's $18B settlement in federal social media safety lawsuit
Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, agreed to pay nearly $18 billion and to make a number of changes to better manage how kids and teens use its social media platforms, to settle a federal lawsuit with more than 50 state attorneys general.
Woman pulled over on Colonial Drive loses leg after being struck by hit-and-run driver
A 25-year-old woman heading to watch the sunrise before starting a new job was severely hurt after being struck by a hit-and-run driver on Colonial Drive.