Yes, that’s an alligator. A very small one, but still an alligator.
You can judge the size here by looking at the water plants. This baby was probably about 6 inches long. However, they grow a foot a year.
This is Mama. She sticks close by until they can take care of themselves. And she always makes sure she is between me and the babies.
Well spotted, did you see the mother first?
That’s how we spot the babies. The mother stays in the same general area, away from rookeries and hungry birds. The little ones are so small if they are in the swamp weeds you cannot see them. We first spot the mother and then look around the open water. Momma is OK as long as everyone keeps a distance.
That makes sense, that little one certainly looks well camouflaged.