American Alligator (male)

Description:

On a walk in my fav nature wetlands I was taking shots of a Great Egret that this big boy seemed to slowly be stalking. The Egret spooked and flew off and this gator slowly turned towards me and began a show of territoriality by raising its head and tail and as it settled back into the water it growled like a lion and vibrated the water between tail and head. This is also a mating ritual. I am usually fairly comfortable around these great creatures but I must admit this display directed at me was a mite intimidating.

Habitat:

Man made wetlands