How fast are alligators and hippos?

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We all know that you should never smile at a crocodile, but rumour has it that alligators are great perambulators – at least that’s what a booklet about Florida’s wildlife claimed. Tim Harford speaks to John Hutchinson, Professor of evolutionary bio-mechanics to see whether he could outrun one of these reportedly rapid reptiles. Also – our editor thinks he could outrun a hippo, is he right? (…probably not). Presenter: Tim Harford Producer: Lizzy McNeill (A large American alligator that lives in swamps in the southeastern states in the US. Credit: Getty images)