American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

            Fiddler’s Creek 
Collier County Wetland
Southern Florida
USA 

I saw two alligators when I was there, both with just their heads above the water. One was going one direction, while the other one was swimming the opposite direction. 

The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), sometimes referred to colloquially as a gator or common alligator, is a large crocodilian reptile endemic to the Southeastern United States. It is one of two living species in the genus Alligator within the family Alligatoridae. Adult male American alligators measure 11.2 to 15.1 ft in length, and can weigh up to (999 lb). Females are smaller, measuring (8.5 to 9.8 ft) in length. 

The American alligator inhabits freshwater wetlands, such as marshes and cypress swamps from Texas to southeastern and coastal North Carolina. They play an important role as ecosystem engineers in wetland ecosystems through the creation of alligator holes, which provide both wet and dry habitats for other organisms. 

American alligators are apex predators and consume fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Hatchlings feed mostly on invertebrates.

Throughout the year, in particular during the breeding season, American alligators bellow to declare territory and locate suitable mates. Male American alligators use infrasound to attract females. 

The conservation status of the American alligator is listed as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Historically, hunting had decimated their population, and the American alligator was listed as an endangered species by the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Subsequent conservation efforts have allowed their numbers to increase and the species was removed from endangered status in 1987. The species is the official state reptile of three states: Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Taken in: United States / Florida / Pelican Lake Motorcoach Resort (show map)

Taken on: February 25, 2020

Tags:

USA

American Alligator

Reptile

Apex Predator

family Alligatoridae

Genus Alligator

11 to 15 Ft In Length

Up to 999 Lbs

Freshwater Wetlands

Marshes Swamps

Varied Diet

Males Bellow To Declare Territories

Infrasound to Attract Females

Least Concern IUCN

Were Decimated By 1973

Numbers Have Now Increased

State Reptile for Florida

Sue Roehl

Panasonic

Lumix DMC GH4

100 - 400 mm Lens

coth5

Sunrays+5 « less

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