An Alligator is a crocodilian in the genus Alligator of the family Alligatoridae. The name alligator is an anglicized form of el lagarto the Spanish term for “lizard”, the name by which early Spanish explorers and settlers in Florida called the alligator. There are two living alligator species: the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and the Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis).

There are many adaptations for the American alligator. Baby alligators have an egg tooth that helps them get out of their egg during hatching time. They also have a muscular flat tail that propels them forward while they swim.

A newborn, with mama close by he was able to catch a few rays! This little guy is one of three, you can’t tell from the photo but just behind him was a hole against the bank of the creek and Mama was sitting in it keeping a close eye out. Once I was close enough to snap the photo the other two went back to mama for safe keeping. This one looked like the healthest , was a bit fatter and bigger then the other two. Even at this age he shows that the strong survive. I waited for some time hopeing to get all of them together but they never did venture out of that hole. So he was the only one enjoying the sun and sand of Florida.

Captured this off Telegraph Creek along the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers Fl.

A is for alligator

Camera Used : Canon Rebel

Thanks to the group for the feature
Wild Nature Photography and Writings
Beach, River and Lake Treasure Group
Nature Photography Challenge