Do Not Zigzag to Escape an Alligator
Prepare yourself for alligator attacks, which occur around three times a year. If you thought bear attacks were rare, think again. In essence, this isn't a problem for the majority of people in the world, yet the internet will nevertheless instruct you on how to protect yourself from an attack that is probably never going to happen. How are most people going to have you do it? Run zigzaggingly.
Where did this hypothesis originate? It's hard to say, although it's fairly common. One of those things that seems to be common knowledge in Florida. Yet that is untrue. Even worse, it's risky. On land, alligators are far from being lightning-fast creatures. They can't keep up that speed for very long, but they might not even have to. Especially if, for whatever reason, you're jogging in a zigzag.
Running in circles simply slows you down. It forces you to remain in the alligator's territory longer than necessary and increases the likelihood that they will use their eerily swift small legs to capture you. In order to escape, run straight and quickly. If one does manage to catch you, then do whatever it takes to defend yourself. The best strategy, according to experts, is to fight like your life depends on it and snout them rather than attempting to pry open their lips.
