A huge American alligator was captured chomping down on a Ring security camera after “hunting” it for several days. Battle the alligator, who is housed at the National Reptile Zoo in Kilkenny, Ireland, was captured eyeing the camera for a good few seconds before lunging from the water to bite it. He had reportedly been ‘hunting’ the device for several days before he attacked.
The amusing footage shows the 29-year-old reptile staring directly into the Ring Indoor Camera as his nose hovers above the water. Then, he suddenly reveals his 80 teeth and a bite force of 2,000 pounds per square inch. While Battle was not harmed as he attempted to consume the camera, Zoo Manager James Hennessy commented: “The camera did not survive the attack! After he pulled it down, it lay cracked open and submerged at the bottom of the pond overnight.”
Described as docile but extremely curious, Battle lives alongside a smaller female alligator named LaFleur, and often interacts with enrichment items brought into his habitat, including basket balls and flower petals so it came as no surprise when the curious reptile began examining the Ring camera. Speaking on Battle’s mischievous character, James said: “He likes to rearrange the rocks and substrate in his habitat, especially after we’ve cleaned it or put in new items.”
The Power of Technology
James installed a Ring camera in the zoo after using the device at home for years. At the time, he was trying to keep a close eye on a highly venomous bushmaster snake, and used the Live View and Motion Detection features to document the snake laying eggs and getting a glimpse of its nocturnal behaviour. The fascinating footage inspired James to create a similar setup for the American alligators.
A Boon for Research
Ireland's National Reptile Zoo boasts over 50 animal species, ranging from geckos, poison dart frogs, tarantulas and scorpions, through to giant monitor lizards, pythons, alligators and crocodiles. Ring has since donated eleven more cameras to the centre, with a Ring Protect plan allowing researchers to remotely monitor the reptiles.
James said: “I can check on an animal from anywhere in the world. It has also given us a unique insight into what some of these animals are doing when we’re not looking. This opens up massive research opportunities, which in the long term will be beneficial for these animals in the wild.”
A Window into the Wild
The images give an insight into what life would look like - likely the end of that life - if you were the prey being hunted by an alligator. Battle the alligator was seen staring at the camera for a good few seconds - with only his eyes and nose above the water - before suddenly lunging to bite the device. The footage shows Battle’s hunting instincts, revealing how these animals stalk their prey before striking with devastating force. The footage is a powerful reminder of the incredible power and agility of these creatures, and the dangers they pose to unsuspecting prey.
