And the story goes ...

10 February 2007: After having nightmares about alligators the first time I saw them in the canals and along the banks in the Everglades in southern FL, I have gained a new respect for the Alligator Mom. After laying on average 30 eggs, only 20% of her offspring survive because of predators. This 'gator Mom had two small 'gators to protect that we could see from the tram in Shark Valley, one on each side of her, but perhaps there were more hidden in the sawgrass. We learned that she will take care of two or three broods at a time for the first few years of their lives. Both the adult males and the older siblings will eat the babies so she has to chase them away as predators. Learn more about alligators. Click on the image to view more photos of alligators in our online galleries hosted by Smugmug.