The Happy Sunbathers - Alligators - Oh My
What to say about Alligators?
I'm sure few would appreciate their beauty. Although to be fair maybe they don't appreciate ours. Isn't that a face to love?
I suppose I could talk about how deadly they are but very few people ever get killed by them, and humans are clearly the more deadly of the two. I've seen deer swimming down stream and crossing from one shore to the other with them all around. Egrets and Herons stand and hunt for morsels of fish right beside them. I've sat in the kayak and enjoyed the warm sun while across the small stream was a 16 foot Alligator laying there enjoying the sun as well. I guess by alligator standards that is a very rare, very old one. It has somehow survived being around people.
So let's talk about another side of them. Sunbathing.
They are sun lovers extraordinary. They can easily spend an entire day, every day, laying in the sun doing nothing. Soaking up the rays and warmth. And I doubt they ever have to worry about sunburns.
When I kayak down the stream with them I found they are very aware of every splash in the water. They know everything going on in their stream. They lay on the shore mostly hoping I don't see them, as most people rarely notice their surroundings. If they see that I have noticed them they sense and get a feel if I'll keep my distance and honor their personal sunbathing space, or if I'll come close and may be a threat to them. Often they will smoothly slide into the water, watch me for a moment then, gently slide underwater to swim off in another direction. It's their way of getting away and being safe from humans. If they see me and know I am mellow, they lay there chilled out. And send out this vibe saying... "Please don't come close, I love this spot, the sun's warmth, and don't want to have to get down into the water." I slowly let the stream carry me past and they just watch and smile.
My favorite photo is the mom and kids all piled on each other soaking in the sun enjoying the day.
Here are two young kids all excited with grins on their face as I paddled by. Clearly saying "Look mom a kayaker." Kids will be kids, even if you're an alligator.
And of course who doesn't love Baby Photos?
The look on a childs face excited to come over and say Hi.
My experience with them has taught me they are pretty mellow animals. But a few cautions. I wouldn't trust having a small child anywhere around them. And I wouldn't be around one with a dog! The kayak pages warn of not having a dog in the kayak. That is food on deck. The alligators will get all excited that you brought them food, like a peace offering perhaps. The only time I've felt threatened is when I accidentally startled a big one. As it leapt into the water to get away it ran into the kayak with a big thump, and quickly slid under and away. It was a startling moment for both of us. So I always try to make a little noise now when I float down stream so they hear me coming. They hear every sound, unless they are totally zonked asleep.
Alligators could be mostly summed up by saying ...
THEY LOVE SUNBATHING!
And who doesn't?