American Alligators // Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

In my previous visits to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, which have all happened to be during the summer months, I have only had the privilege of spotting one Alligator (Alligator mississipiensis).  With the sun out and temps in the upper 70's, it was perfect basking weather and we spotted an abundance of them doing just that.  The highlight, for me, was getting to see a couple of little baby gators.  It was my first time seeing a baby in the wild, so it was such a treat getting to see them at the beginning of the trail :)

We continued along our hike and spotted numerous adults along the way.  At one point, we could hear the one below slowly making it's way through the vegetation.  We couldn't see it until it emerged...but it was exciting to watch the plants move as she got closer and closer until she finally poked through to check us out.

One method that Alligators use to regulate body temperature, is to hold their mouths open like the female in the following photo.  Though I can't be 100% certain that this particular gator is a female, my guess is based on the fact that she was basking near the two juveniles that we spotted, and there weren't any other adults around that we could see.  Juveniles will stay with their mothers for up to a year for protection.

Our final stop before leaving the Refuge was an overlook across from the Visitor's Center.  There were a couple of gators relaxing on the bank below us, and they could not look more comfortable.  We had such a great time at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, and I hope our next visit is as productive as this one was!

Until next time, Happy Herping!