How To Survive The Alligators in the Movie Crawl

Facing alligators in Crawl during a Category 5 hurricane is a terrifying survival challenge. Here’s how you can improve your chances against these deadly predators.

Step 1: Avoid Water and Stay High

Stay Away from Water

Alligators thrive in water, so avoiding any water-filled areas is your best bet. Keep to higher ground or floors, especially during floods. In Crawl, staying in the basement was a huge mistake. If you are in a flooded house, make your way to the upper levels or the roof as quickly as possible.

Secure Yourself Above Ground

If possible, avoid descending into flooded basements or waterlogged crawl spaces. Instead, use furniture or tools to create barriers that keep the alligators at bay while finding your way to higher ground.

Step 2: Use Your Surroundings for Defense

Arm Yourself

If you’re stuck in a flooded area, find tools or objects that can help defend yourself. In Crawl, the characters use screwdrivers, shovels, and even a flare to fend off the gators. Anything sharp or heavy can help you fight back if an alligator approaches.

Trap the Alligator

Use your surroundings to create barriers. Haley traps a gator in the shower stall, buying time. If you can trap or block off the gator temporarily, it increases your chance of escape.

Step 3: Run or Fight Smartly

Outrunning a Gator

On land, alligators are fast in short bursts but tire quickly. Run in a straight line, aiming for safety away from water. In confined spaces like the flooded house in Crawl, avoid splashing or making noise to prevent attracting their attention.

Fight Back if Attacked

If a gator attacks, focus on its eyes and snout. These are the most sensitive areas. Use any available weapons to gouge the eyes or hit the snout, forcing the alligator to release you.

Step 4: Use Natural Weaknesses

Hold the Jaw Shut

Alligators have incredibly powerful jaws when closing, but they are weak when opening. If you are stuck in a close fight, hold the gator’s mouth shut using your arms, or use straps or belts to keep it shut while trying to escape.

Ride Out the Death Roll

If caught in a gator’s “death roll,” roll with it instead of resisting. Resisting can cause severe injury. Keep attacking the snout and eyes while the gator is distracted, which may give you a chance to escape.

Step 5: Plan for Rescue

Signal for Help

Once you’re in a safe location, make as much noise as possible to alert rescuers. In Crawl, the characters use flares to get a helicopter’s attention. Use anything bright, reflective, or loud to help rescuers spot you, especially in flooded areas.

Stay Calm and Adapt

Surviving alligator attacks requires both mental and physical toughness. Stay calm, think clearly, and use your environment to your advantage.


By following these strategies, you’ll improve your chances of surviving in extreme conditions like those in Crawl. Stay alert, stay safe, and use every resource available to you.

By Patrick Smith

Patrick is a lifelong Patriot and supporter of our Armed Forces. He now dedicates his time to providing survival trips and guides, as well as reviewing tactical and survival products.