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Greeted by a Gator

A juvenile alligator greeted us as we entered the trails of Grassy Waters Preserve. He was no more than three feet — still very small, but no longer a baby. Being very cautious and in extreme-defense mode due to his size, he was quite flighty. But I did manage a shot or two of this adorable guy….

Juvenile Alligator: Eye on You

Juvenile Alligator: Slow Movements, Sloooowww….

20 Comments Post a comment
  1. I love to look at these creatures, but they frighten me so……

    July 16, 2012
    • Hee! I find them so photogenic, so primeval — I can’t resist! When you’re around them as much as we are, a certain level of understanding and respect is definitely reached.

      July 16, 2012
  2. Too close for comfort! Great shots. My hands would have been shaking.

    July 16, 2012
    • Thanks so much! They’re definitely something to be aware of on certain hikes, around here… But honestly, like most wildlife, they don’t want to be around us. They’re just as scared of our presence! They’re amazing critters, though.

      July 16, 2012
  3. Adorable???? More like scary :)

    July 16, 2012
    • They’re such fantastic predators… Years of understanding and respect have made me love them!

      July 16, 2012
  4. Good images of a difficult subject, also enjoyed the frogs.

    July 16, 2012
    • Thanks so much! I love our gators — especially when they reach this size. And the frogs… Well, I become hyper-excited whenever I see one, so I’m just thrilled this one didn’t leap before I snapped!

      July 16, 2012
  5. Val #

    I always find it amazing that any creatures have survived from their origins… these are surely reminders of that. Good shots!

    July 16, 2012
    • Aren’t these animals amazing, if only for this reason? Twenty million years on this planet, with little to no change… It’s simply mind-blowing. They’re truly beautiful, and despite people’s fears, really want nothing to do with us (like most wildlife).

      July 17, 2012
  6. Bella Remy Photography #

    Awesome pics!

    July 16, 2012
    • Thanks so much! We’re often lucky on our hikes… Especially when we get way out there in the ‘Glades, with no one else around to disturb the critters. :)

      July 17, 2012
  7. Great photos! I love seeing them. Have you ever watched “Gator Boys” on TV? If you like gators that’s a great show to watch. I don’t think they produced too many episodes though.

    July 17, 2012
    • Thanks so much! They’re such amazing creatures — I love snapping them. You know, someone mentioned that show, but I was afraid to watch it… I was worried it was just a couple of guys wrestling gators for no other reason than ratings. I did manage to catch ONE glimpse of it, and they were catching a gator (why, I don’t know — it was at home in the swamp!) that was REALLY small — REALLY small. I was cracking up at the commentary that made one think otherwise, however…. :)

      July 17, 2012
  8. Great looking beast, eh?? One time I will post some pictures I took in Cuba where they have crocodile (or maybe alligator “farm” where they are breeding , I think crocodiles to build up their population from near extinct state) restoration places. OOOOOOOOOh, are they huge or what!!!! Thank you for your words and pictures>

    July 17, 2012
    • Oh, please post them!

      The Florida Everglades is actually the only place in the US where alligators AND crocodiles exist side-by-side… We’ve seen a few crocs in the ‘Glades, and it’s an odd sight for sure. But I’m sure they don’t get anywhere near the size of crocs in other countries.

      It’s wonderful to hear how Cuba is building up their populations, from near-extinction. YAY! ♥

      July 18, 2012
  9. Hi

    I have been enjoying your wonderful photographies. You have done a good job, so well done. Keep sharing those images with us and keep inspiring! :-)

    I would like to thank you for following my blog. I hope my blog doesn’t disappoint you and that your visits in my blog have been and will always be a joyful ride.

    Thank you again and I wish you a lovely day! :-)

    Subhan Zein

    July 18, 2012
    • Thanks so very much for your kind words!

      And ditto, many thanks for following. Your blog — your poems — are heartfelt and beautifully written. It’s lovely to “meet” you! -Christina

      July 18, 2012
  10. I happily embrace (though not literally) our prehistoric friends.

    July 22, 2012
    • Heh heh….! DITTO! I really do love, admire, and thoroughly respect them.

      July 23, 2012

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