We spotted this big bull gator tonight. He was about 12 feet long, and the largest we've seen @ this particular location. He had a HUGE HEAD!
He had him a little--younger and smaller---female he was romancing. She was about five feet long. He had been following her for the longest time--he's a very persistant beau! And very quiet.
At one point, he lifted his back up, and we were almost sure we were going to be witness to the 'tail up' and 'dancing waters' display the males do when trying to attract the females--but he didn't proceed. If you've ever seen it---it is quite the sight---the waters around the male gator vibrate so quickly that the water appears to 'dance'. Looks kinda like an earthquake in the water.
Finally, out of nowhere....she gives a BIG SPLASH! And vanishes. We spotted her WAY OUT a few moments later----and poor gator boy was left behind, and totally lost track of the location of his love interest. He went swimming off in the wrong direction! Wiley female!
Alligator courting rituals-----there are many who might find that strange----we just think it's amazing to be able to go out in the wild and observe these magnificent creatures!
I never DREAMED I'd enjoy battling those dang "no-see'ums" and 'skeeters' out in a swamp at NIGHTFALL---getting up close with reptiles---but I DO!!
Well if you know gators-that is when you go out--at nightfall, that is when the eyes start glittering and they begin waking up from their slumber, hungry--and ready for their meal.
Dont worry-we are careful- I was several feet away from today's big 'ole lovesick boy gator---he was in the water, and I quietly walked along beside him on the land.
The above pictures dont really show the scope of how big he was because that looks like that is ALL OF HIM. The photo below is a better scope-----he has raised more of his tail end up and you can see how long he is
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