Gators Vs. Crocs

December 2014

Where in the world can you see both an alligator and a crocodile in the same body of water?  Only in Everglades National Park, according to its website.  What are the differences between a croc and a gator?  Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission enumerates the following characteristics that distinguish one from the other:

Crocodile                                                                       Alligator
Grayish green color                                                       Black in color
Fourth tooth on lower jaw exposed when mouth          Only upper teeth exposed when mouth is
is closed                                                                         closed
   Narrow tapered snout                                                    Broad rounded snout
    Young are light with dark stripes                                   Young are dark with yellow stripes

Another difference I noted is that baby gators stay longer with their mother, "typically one year to three years" according to Florida State University Habitat Tracker.  I was surprised to spot a small baby crocodile in Flamingo Canal without any sign of its mom.

On the other hand, this baby alligator still enjoys its mother's care and protection. (Photo taken in Savannah National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia and South Carolina) 

Here are the other croc and gator photos taken in Everglades:

CROCODILES

We saw these two crocs at Flamingo Canal.  It was difficult to snap good pictures because the area was cordoned off.

Croc number 1 seems to be missing its lower jaw.

Croc number 2's mouth is closed.  One can notice the exposed fourth tooth on lower jaw.

ALLIGATORS

All the gator photos were taken at Anhinga Trail except for this.  I snapped it at Flamingo Canal where we also spotted the baby croc. 

Alligator Lounge

John Chesnut Sr. Park

November 2014.  John Chesnut Sr. Park in Palm Harbor, Florida.

Red-shouldered Hawk

Pete thought he saw a snake.  It turned out to be an Anhinga which, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is also known as the Snake-Bird "for its habit of swimming with just its long head and neck sticking out of the water."

Tufted "Black-crested" Titmouse

Moorhen

American Alligator

Yellow-bellied Sliders

Eastern Lubber Grasshopper

Snail eggs?

Could I pass for a Bald Cypress "knee?"

Besties?

22 October 2014.  Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Yellow-bellied Turtles and American Alligator hanging out.

See You Later, Alligator!

15 October 2014.  Savannah National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia and South Carolina.

Before heading to the refuge, we dropped by the visitor center to get a map and determine what wildlife we might encounter.  The affable lady who helped us was a mine of information, indeed.  She enumerated the different species of birds we could spot and made a note on the "Outdoor and Nature Attractions in Coastal GA/SC Area" she handed to us.  She also mentioned that some visitors had reported sighting of at least seven alligators.  We saw nine ... ha!

Alligator 1:  I was busy photographing Purple Gallinules when Pete told me that something was watching us closely.  Our very first alligator was lurking near the bank.

A couple of Park Rangers stopped and checked why I was snapping away.  We exclaimed "our first crocodile!"  They retorted, "We have alligators in South Carolina and Georgia.  Florida has crocodiles." :D They reckoned that this monster was about 10 feet and it could grow up to 14 feet.  And I thought it was already HUGE!

Alligator 2

Alligator 3

Alligators 4 and 5:  Mama gator and baby gator.  I'd seen the image a million times on Animal Planet and National Geographic but I felt all warm and fuzzy inside when I stumbled upon this image.  I couldn't help "aaaaaawing" while photographing.  Apologies for being a drama queen.

Alligator 6:  We found this little one in the same pond where mama and baby gators were sunbathing.  We assumed he was one of hers.

Alligator 7

Alligator 8

Alligator 9