Last month, our Herpetology class took a field trip to Dixie Plantation. On one of the trails at Dixie, we encountered this solitary, slow-moving Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). Although we could only clearly see the gator's eyes and rounded snout, we tried to approximate his size and age. This alligator looked to be about 5-6 feet long. I would guess that this large herp is a mature male, based on the fact that the large reptile was resting by itself. Older male alligators are known to be quite solitary, due to their territorial nature, but younger alligators (males and females) are more tolerable and are often seen in larger groups. Typically alligators do not respond well to being approached by humans, but this guy stayed relatively still and let us climb to the edge of the water bank to take pictures. This level of inactivity is probably due to the alligator's slow metabolism and nocturnal nature.
Its a shame we didn't encounter this guy a little later in the season, because breeding season for alligators is April-May. Their observable behavior is highly variable, including the formation of "bellowing choruses," head-slaps, and "alligator dances."
Unfortunatly, we did not get to witness any of these exciting behaviors. As we "oh-ed and ah-ed" over our crocodilian find, he remained relatively stationary and appeared to be observing us with much less interest.
I think I even saw an eye-roll.
(Cat Harpe, SC)
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