American Alligator

Description:

In the water, alligators swim like fish; moving their pelvic regions and tails from side to side. Alligators have broad snouts. When the jaws are closed, the edge of the upper jaws covers the lower teeth which fit into depressions in the upper jaw. One swam up the canal and soon was joined by another.

Habitat:

Pintail Drive and Boardwalk in the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge is a three mile driving loop through moist soil wetlands managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service to provide feeding/resting habitat for wintering waterfowl. Excellent viewing of a variety of wildlife (lots of alligators!) as well as migratory birds year round. Huge waterfowl populations for viewing and photography opportunities in the fall and winter. There is a also a half mile accessible boardwalk with viewing scopes.

Notes:

Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge was established to preserve and protect wintering waterfowl and their habitat. It was the first refuge established under the auspices of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. The refuge is located approximately 25 miles southeast of Lake Charles, Louisiana, in north central Cameron Parish. It contains 9,621 acres that include fresh marsh, coastal prairie, and old rice fields (currently moist soil units). Located at the convergence of two major flyways, the refuge has an important role in management for migratory birds.