sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

I often go to the nearby Viera Wetlands just to walk - I don't take my heavy camera and telephoto lens. It seems like those days are when I see something interesting or even spectacular. Yesterday was one of those days. A warm sunny February day, even for Florida, and while walking along my sister and I could not help notice that the relatively large alligator we were approaching at the water's edge had something on its' back. As we got closer we were shocked to see that it was two baby alligators! We then noticed three more to her left and still another on the right further out at the water's edge. Normal alligator mating season here is March and April, so this is really early. We will have colder weather this week - not sure how well these little babies will do. I will be taking my camera gear every time I walk there for the next few weeks.

These photos were taken with my iPhone 11 Pro - so although the downloads might satisfy your intellectual curiosity about these baby gators, they are not very sharp...

Those aren't sticks!

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More babies on the left!

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Another one up on the right!

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angler Loc: StHelens England

Excellent captures.

Red Sky At Night

Really interesting. Thanks for sharing.

jdtonkinson Loc: Red Wing, MN

great interesting shots....maybe you could take one home for a pet?

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

That is interesting. I'm thinking those may be last season's offspring. Hard to say how old they are but it is still unusual either way.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Good eye and set, Steve!

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

They are 9 inches or so when they hatch, which is about what size these are, so they are pretty young. I am not sure at what age they lose the variegated coloration.

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Great set Steve

tcthome Loc: NJ

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

I will head back today with mt camera and telephoto to see if I can find them and get some better images. It is supposed to be cool but sunny this afternoon - good for alligator basking....

Moondoggie Loc: Southern California

Nice capture with the babies! Thanks for sharing.

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Interesting captures Steve!

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

I encountered such family groupings a couple of times. It is always a real surprise. Alligators don't seem like they would be the nurturing type. The shots came out quite well.