alligators move on land by two forms of locomotion referred to as "sprawl" and "high walk". the sprawl is a forward movement with the belly making contact with the ground and is used to transition to "high walk" or to slither over wet substrate into water. the high walk is an up on four limbs forward motion used for overland travel with the belly well up from the ground. alligators have also been observed to rise up and balance on their hind legs and semi-step forward as part of a forward or upward lunge. however they can not walk on their hind legs for long distances.