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American alligator
Alligator mississippiensis
30.5422, -83.8723
Field Notes
Description:
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.
Habitat:
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_alligator
Notes:
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.
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