Alligators are a staple of Florida wildlife. This guy is typical of the breed (Alligator mississippiensis) and is commonly called the American alligator. This photo was taken not too far from my home in a location we call “Loop Road”. The American alligator grows no more than 15 ft. long as an adult.
Gators are at the top of the food chain in their habitat and eat pretty much anything they can get their considerable jaws around, including fish, frogs, birds, reptiles and even the occasional mammal. They won’t bother you unless you bother them. But don’t get between one and their kids or you might not survive the encounter. They are the official reptile of Florida (and two other states – can you name them?)