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….
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FeyGirl
Serenity Spell 
I love to look at these creatures, but they frighten me so……
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.
Too close for comfort! Great shots. My hands would have been shaking.
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.
Adorable???? More like scary 🙂
They’re such fantastic predators… Years of understanding and respect have made me love them!
Good images of a difficult subject, also enjoyed the frogs.
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!
I always find it amazing that any creatures have survived from their origins… these are surely reminders of that. Good shots!
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).
Awesome pics!
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. 🙂
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.
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…. 🙂
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>
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! ♥
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
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
I happily embrace (though not literally) our prehistoric friends.
Heh heh….! DITTO! I really do love, admire, and thoroughly respect them.
This may be silly, but they’re the thing I miss the most about Florida. Growing up I’d always be on the look-out and went on quite a few reckless hikes hoping to see a gator. I took tons of photos over the years. I’ve been up north for a year now, but still get that adrenaline rush every time I come upon some water while hiking until I remember there’s no chance of seeing one. Your pictures make me a bit homesick, but love them 🙂
Oh, I completely understand! COMPLETELY! The gators are by far my favorite part of the hikes down here… I just adore them. They’re such misunderstood, beautiful creatures — as most native Floridians realize. 🙂 I’m happy to share them all with you!! I have *plenty* of images and posts devoted to them, hee!
Your blog is ridicuously good!
Aw, you’re so kind! I’m desperately trying to return to the swing of things, so there’s some new stuff on here…. I miss it so! 🙂