Alligators in the Castle Moat?

Question

Can anyone cite a documented instance of alligators (or other frightening aquatic animals) being kept in a castle moat for added security? My 10 y.o. son asked me and I don't know. Thanks.

Answer 1

It depends where your moat is. Alligators only live in North and South America. No real castles were built in America, although some forts built by early western settles do look a lot like castles. The Spanish built some forts in Florida and some of these may well have had alligators in the moats around them.

However, most people when talking about castles are talking about the medieval fortified homes of lords in Europe and the Middle East (although castle also existed in Japan and India). There are no alligators or crocodiles in Europe so your teacher is right.

I bet that your teacher will not believe you if you tell her that Polar bears once swam in moat of the Tower of London! Look at http://www.castlesontheweb.com/quest/Forum12/HTML/000161.html

Answer 2

Well considering in general when you are thinking about Castles and moats you are thinking the UK or other european countries....none of which have a suitable enviornment from a large reptile like an alligator, or really any fresh water big nasty creature.....except maybe nessi

Answer 3

I don't think so although I do know that some moats were left dry and were filled with large spikes, dead animals, bodies and sewage in the hope that invaders would see what had happened to the ones who had preceeded them and be dissuaded.

Answer 4

i doubt it seriously all the castles n forifications are in a climate suitable for alligators or crocodiles

Answer 5

None did, but it was a place for the sewer water to go.