American Alligator (Young)

Description:

The American Alligator is the largest reptile in North America. They breed mid-April through May and the eggs usually hatch in mid-August. The young have yellow and black stripes to provide camouflage. They congregate along banks and in water under the protection of their mother for nearly two years. When alarmed they emit a high pitched chirp which alerts the mother of their danger. These youngsters appear to be a mix of one and two year alligators. The last image, while in the proximity of the spotting, it probably a male adult, females are generally smaller. I did spot what may have been the mother in the water, but did not get a photo of her.

Habitat:

They are endemic to the extreme southeast and southern Texas, but the largest populations in Florida and Louisiana. The will occupy nearly any body of fresh or brackish water, including lakes, swamps, marshes, ponds and even small water holes on cattle fields. Alligators are one of the biggest attractions for visitors to Florida, especially from our northern states and countries.

Notes:

The name alligator is the derived from the Spanish el lagarto which means "the lizard". The name Alligator mississippiensis means “Alligator of the Mississippi”.