0:00:01 > 0:00:05On Deadly 60, I've had loads of incredible animal encounters.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08Here's just one of my many favourites.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10This is Deadly 60...Bites!
0:00:10 > 0:00:11Whoa!
0:00:14 > 0:00:18We've come to the Silver Springs in Central Florida
0:00:18 > 0:00:23to search for the infamous alligator.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30The Silver River is about as pristine and perfect a habitat
0:00:30 > 0:00:32as you'll find anywhere in the world.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37There are an enormous amount of catfish, of gar, of turtles,
0:00:37 > 0:00:41of terrapins. And all of those are going to make food for alligators.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43Just to the right.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- Oh, yeah, a big one. - Yeah, that's a big one.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49He is impressive, look at that!
0:00:49 > 0:00:52'We've filmed crocodilians many times on the Deadly 60,
0:00:52 > 0:00:56'but one thing we haven't done is joined them in their watery world.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58'Most of the time that would simply be too dangerous.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01'But with these crystal clear springs,
0:01:01 > 0:01:04'it could be the best place on Earth to swim with alligators.'
0:01:04 > 0:01:07It all seems a little bit crazy for me to be getting into water
0:01:07 > 0:01:10where we know there are loads and loads of alligators.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Well, I'm kind of banking on the clarity of the water.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16I really think that we'll be able to see these animals coming
0:01:16 > 0:01:19from quite a way away and be able to assess their intentions.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24It doesn't mean that my heart isn't going a little bit crazy, though.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28'I certainly wouldn't attempt this just anywhere.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32'Alligators do occasionally attack people,
0:01:32 > 0:01:34'so the whole crew is going to need to be on high alert
0:01:34 > 0:01:36'if we're going to swim with one safely.'
0:01:39 > 0:01:42- Keep your eyes on it, guys, and give me some feedback.- OK.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44Good luck.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49'The conditions are perfect
0:01:49 > 0:01:52and it's not long before I start to attract some attention.'
0:01:53 > 0:01:55- Steve, gator!- Gator.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57Gator coming at you.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Quite close to the bank, still.
0:02:03 > 0:02:04He's come up, he's come up.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10'To be this close to a wild alligator in its own world,
0:02:10 > 0:02:12'is a real thrill.'
0:02:15 > 0:02:18- He's coming towards you.- He's, he's... Steve, he's moving.- Steve!
0:02:18 > 0:02:21'But to stay out of danger,
0:02:21 > 0:02:23'it's important to assess its intentions.'
0:02:27 > 0:02:29He's come up, he's come up.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32'It's breeding season,
0:02:32 > 0:02:35'the time when males start to protect their territories,
0:02:35 > 0:02:37'so they can get all the girls.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40'It's likely that this gator sees me as a possible challenge.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42'He's definitely sizing me up.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45'It's critical to look as big and confident as possible,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48'while not actually issuing a challenge back.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52'He swims straight at me, and over my head.'
0:02:55 > 0:02:59This is...a mesmerising...
0:03:01 > 0:03:04..if slightly chilling experience!
0:03:04 > 0:03:07'Clearly deciding I'm not a fitting rival,
0:03:07 > 0:03:09'the gator drops to the bottom,
0:03:09 > 0:03:12- 'which means- I- can go in for a closer look.
0:03:13 > 0:03:18'He could lie here motionless for hours. Not moving a muscle,
0:03:18 > 0:03:21'the heart rate has slowed to practically nothing.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24'It's one of the crocodile's great natural advantages.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29'My own human lungs mean I can only spend a few precious moments
0:03:29 > 0:03:31'with this prehistoric predator,
0:03:31 > 0:03:33'but it's an experience I'll never forget.'
0:03:33 > 0:03:38Alligators are without doubt on the Deadly 60.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd