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Alligator mississippiensis
The American alligator has a large, slightly rounded body, with thick limbs, a broad head, and a very powerful tail. Adult Alligators generally have dark gray or nearly black color. They may at times appear to be lighter based on detritus or algae in the water covering their skin. Juvenile alligators have a striped pattern for camouflage that they lose as they mature.
The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), sometimes referred to colloquially as a gator, is a reptile endemic only to the Southeastern United States. It is one of the two living species of alligator, in the genus Alligator, within the family Alligatoridae. It is larger than the other extant alligator species, the Chinese alligator. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_al...
Most folks don't realize that when the swim in Florida's waters (any of Florida's waters) they are most likely swimming with gators. Though not normally aggressive like the crocodile, they will protect their breeding and nesting grounds furiously. They should not be feared, but respected. These photos were taken at a nearby plant nursery which has a large pond and is one of my favorite birding spots. He can be called to the dock with a few grunts! Which is how I managed to get good close-ups - though I have to say he was so close I made sure to keep a close eye on him.
Spotted on Aug 8, 2010
Submitted on Feb 10, 2012
16 Comments
LOl@ Emma, isn't that the truth :)
Mothers are always protective.
Hunger,mating season,etc could bring out some very bizarre behaviors.
Thanks Emma, I grew up with alligators and have been around them all of my life, and knew of their other prey, just hadn't ever heard of them eating their own young.
this part (copied from the link you supplied) is what we learned growing up around them (and often swimming in the same waters they reside in)
"Juvenile American alligators live in pods which can be comprised of siblings only or contain individuals from more than one female. The mother will stay near her offspring for quite some time, typically up to a year with occasional females protecting their young for up to 2-3 years. The mother may also share her winter burrow with her offspring. "
We were always warned to keep an eye out during both breeding season, and once the babies hatch - as that is when they are most known to be aggressive towards humans.
The mother normally protects them for the first few years of their lives, but the mother doesn't eat during that period and sometimes gets so hungry that she eats her babies.
I found this answer on wiki.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Do_alligators_...
Mary,hope that explains it.
Adult American alligators are known to feed on fish, amphibians, turtles, snakes, birds, and mammals. They will not hesitate to kill smaller members of their own species, and can also attack domestic animals, e.g. dogs, cats, sheep and cattle. If given the opportunity they will quite happily feast on carrion
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/alligato...
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/alligato...
Large alligators are territorial with males being more so than females. Smaller alligators are more tolerant towards each other and large quantities of smaller alligators can often be seen near each other.
Really Emma, I have always been taught that momma gators look after their young, so you must mean if the youngsters wonder into the males territory? I had never heard that before.
Alligators are so territorial that they will kill there own youngsters if they invade their boundaries!
Thank you bulldogger50 - I have a real soft spot for our beautiful reptiles and the alligator is one of my favorite to spot in the wild.
hmm, thanks Nopayahnah - will have to try and reload it.
the second photo doesn't appear
wow nice shots
Thank you Pennymmof2
Nice Shots!