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April 29, 2022  |  By Ben Ivers

Alligator Close Up

Alligator Close Up Live

Alligator - IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

In colder weather alligators may even enter a state of hibernation

Getting up close and personal with an alligator can sound intimidating! Matt and I are able to safely engage with nature by using the right equipment. In this case, it was a DSLR camera with a super telephoto lens that let us take these close up shots of alligators. Let's learn more about alligators and the mysterious wilderness of the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve in Florida.

Fakahatchee Alligator

Did you know that alligators are incredibly fast swimmers? They can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour! Alligators are also proficient climbers, and can often be seen scaling trees along the banks of a river or swamp. Alligators are cold blooded animals, meaning their internal body temperature depends on the environment around them. In colder weather, alligators will become sluggish and may even enter a state of hibernation. Alligators can grow up to 14 feet long and weigh over 800 pounds. However, the average alligator is much smaller, measuring around six feet in length and weighing between 100-300 pounds.

Did you know that alligators are one of the oldest living species on Earth? Fossil records show that alligators have been around for over 150 million years!Alligators are opportunistic predators and will eat anything that they can catch, including turtles, fish, frogs, snakes, and small mammals. Alligators are also known to eat carrion (or dead animal flesh). The alligator is an important part of the ecosystem and plays a vital role in keeping the balance of nature. They are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain. Alligators help keep populations of other animals in check and act as a natural form of pest control.

Black Vulture Eating Alligator

Alligators are found in all 67 counties in Florida. The alligator is a part of the Crocodilian family, which also includes crocodiles and caimans. Alligators are typically shy animals and will avoid confrontation whenever possible. However, alligators can become very aggressive when provoked or threatened.

Alligators are living fossils!

The alligator is an iconic symbol of Florida

The Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve is a beautiful and mysterious place. The Preserve is located in Southwest Florida and covers over 100,000 acres of land. The Fakahatchee Strand is known for its abundance of wildlife, including alligators, black bears, panthers, and ospreys. On this particular trip, Matt and I also saw a flock of black vultures that were devouring the carcass of a recently deceased alligator. The Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve was established in 1974 and is the largest state preserve in Florida. The Preserve is open to the public for hiking, biking, and bird watching.

Cuban Tree Frog

The alligator is an iconic symbol of Florida, and it's hard not to be awestruck by these prehistoric creatures. The Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve is a great place to see alligators in their natural habitat. There are estimated to be over 2000 alligators living in the preserve! Keep your eyes peeled and you might just catch a glimpse of one of these impressive creatures! Whether you're an alligator enthusiast or just looking for a unique nature experience, the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve is definitely worth a visit!

THIS MONTH'S GALLERY
alligator florida hiking macro reptile

Article by Ben Ivers

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Matt Hamas and Ben Ivers here. We are focused on fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the environment. We endeavor to bring you a unique perspective of the wild. Our photos are being placed here for you to enjoy. Please feel free to download any of the photos for your personal use. We are currently seeking partners for printing and developing photos.

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Matt Hamas and Ben Ivers here. We are focused on fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the environment. We endeavor to bring you a unique perspective of the wild. Our photos are being placed here for you to enjoy. Please feel free to download any of the photos for your personal use. We are currently seeking partners for printing and developing photos.

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