Fourteen-feet-long Alligator suns himself at Shark Valley ENP

After nearly being wiped out by hunters 100 years ago, the Alligator has made a complete recovery, and millions live in Florida. The long-lived species, after 50 years of protection, is starting to boast some rather large individuals. This 14 foot long specimen lives in the borrow pond surrounding Everglades National Park's Shark Valley observation tower. Top view of perhaps the same animal one year later: http://sudoku.com.au/PhotosBig.aspx?PID=7874&UID=9623&Go=P28-5-1991


After nearly being wiped out by hunters 100 years ago, the Alligator has made a complete recovery, and millions live in Florida. The long-lived species, after 50 years of protection, is starting to boast some rather large individuals. This 14 foot long specimen lives in the borrow pond surrounding Everglades National Park's Shark Valley observation tower. Top view of perhaps the same animal one year later: http://sudoku.com.au/PhotosBig.aspx?PID=7874&UID=9623&Go=P28-5-1991

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   Eve  From So. Oregon
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Cute from a distance.
25/Jan/08 12:36 PM
   Rayray  From Yorks & E.Sussex    Supporting Member
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Hi Jim:
I accept your corrections and comments (on My Page) about alligators (such as they are black; not green); as you are the expert. I have seen crocodiles in zoos; especially in North Queensland where I lived for a few years. I seem to recall they were dark green, but my memory plays tricks a little bit – especially as most my then passing observations were 30 years back. You have also reminded me to be more precise – over now confirming that crocodiles seek prey in a similar way as you describe alligators do. After patiently waiting near the edge of a stretch of water, as log-like panhandlers (but for food; rather than cash – which even a crocodile finds hard to handle), one will strike like lightning at some unsuspecting animal coming there for a drink. Having made contact with its teeth, the crocodile will next roll over and over; twisting its victim off its feet - so it can’t fight back and to confuse it – and the animal is quickly converted from life into tucker.
11/Oct/08 6:52 AM
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