Sunbather

Posted by Barbara (Florida, United States) on 10 May 2008 in Animal & Insect.

During a stroll in a nearby park I spotted this Florida sunbather. A common sight. I just stood there and watched him until he turned and went into the water. My estimate he is at least 10 feet long.
Just to the left out of view are people walking, jogging and dogs on their leash. There are a few big gators in this particular park.
May is mating season for these large reptiles which makes them more aggressive and tempermental.
It is against the law to feed or intimidate these creatures.
Normally they are fearful and move on but once they are fed and become dependent of feeding they pose great danger to people and pets.
If there is an incident wildlife trappers remove and destroy the alligator.
For the alligators protection (and humans) it is wise to respect their territory.
In the right image there is a Moorehead duck close and curious.

Comments (11)

Ylle from Göteborg, Sweden

Wow, they are really magnificent animals. Nice shots!

10 May 2008 3:57am

Saeed from ahwaz, Iran

nice angle, well done!

10 May 2008 12:21am

MJ from Delaware, United States

I hope I get to see a shot like this next week when I come down to New Port Richey....
Great capture

10 May 2008 11:03am

@MJ: I hope you do too. Just be careful. NPR would not be far from one of my favorite parks where you are almost guarnteed to see a few gators. Chestnut Park http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/04_Chesnut.htm It is on the East side of Lake Tarpon. Anderson Park is on the West side of Lake Tarpon. I never go to Anderson so I don't know the gator sitings on that side. Do check out Chestnut it is a beautiful park. Enjoy your stay, as for the temps the humidity is increasing daily. I look forward to seeing your Florida photos.

Judy from Brooksville-Florida,, United States

Ooooooooo, that duck looks just a bite away - and one bite, at that!
Good post, Barb.

10 May 2008 11:48am

@Judy: These ducks get very close to gators in the water which surprises me. Alligators move very fast in the water and while they can move quickly on land it is only for a short distance. Their head and tail are very heavy in proportion to their body. Thank you for commenting Judy.