WYR Would You Rather: Swim with Sharks or Swim with Alligators

[Dead2009]

I know the choices arent ideal BUT if you had to choose, which one would it be?

 

[OmegaMeistro]

Sharks.

Not all sharks are mankillers. In fact, you'd probably have an easier time navigating through sharks because they have a pretty standard set of behavioural patterns you could manipulate to get away from danger.

The problem lies more in the fear of the shark, the image of the ferocious predator. But I think compared to an alligator, whose preferred form of prey doesn't exclude humans, unlike sharks, I think I'd prefer to take my chances with Jaws.

There's also this data generated by GPT:

Sharks:​

• Behaviorally predictable: Most shark species are cautious, especially around unfamiliar objects (like flailing humans).
• Misunderstood predators: They don’t actively hunt humans. Most attacks are investigatory—mistaking surfers or swimmers for prey (e.g., seals).
• Species matters: Great whites, bulls, and tigers are responsible for most incidents—but even then, fatalities are rare.
• Escape tactics work: Staying calm, maintaining eye contact, slow movements, and positioning yourself vertically can actually reduce risk.
  

Alligators:​

• Ambush predators: Unlike sharks, they do target humans—especially in murky water where they hunt by stealth.
• Proximity equals death: If you’re within striking range and it wants you, that’s it. They don’t need to investigate—they grab and spin.
• Water isn’t safe terrain: You’re in their world. They don’t just bite—they drown prey, stash it, and come back later. They’re basically Jurassic Park’s storage unit managers.
• Less predictable in encounter zones: Especially in brackish water or swamps where visibility is trash and escape routes are limited.