Alligators can run up to **30 miles per hour** in short bursts, but they are only capable of accelerating very quickly over short distances. On land, their average maximum speed is **11 mph**, while in water, it is **20 mph** .
It's impressive considering the size of these animals and their relatively slow metabolism. Most humans can outrun alligators on land, as they can run at a maximum speed of **15 mph** .
