The movement was subtle, especially for a 15 foot Alligator. I’m guessing on the length–I could just say very long. This fellow was swimming quietly, but covering some distance.
He had places to go and wasn’t wasting any time getting there, swimming in a straight line from where I first spotted the movement towards an island where the Alligators often lounge at the edge of the water. And watch for wading birds to land or chicks to fall.
With the length of his back out of the water and a tree for reference you can see just how big
I didn’t see the second one until I was looking at the photos later. Tucked under the branches on the left, he didn’t move as the older and much larger beast went by.
Click on any photo for larger view.
The reflections in the water as the alligator swims by are lovely.
(I can’t get over the size of that one either.)
Thanks, Belinda! I know… We don’t often see them swim with their full length sticking out of the water. I was happy he was heading away from shore.
Great pictures but scary !! Gators and sharks , when you see how strong and fast they are….well the same goes for lions and tigers I suppose 😀
Hi Gwennie, Thanks! Just finding a couple of your comments in spam; sorry I didn’t notice them earlier. Yes, keeping a respectful distance is the best plan for all those creatures.
Oh my, that is a big one! King of the pond, that’s for sure! 🙂
Yes, he could be the “one.”