They are always a bit larger than you think. Even the ones bobbing along near the trails. Their tail may be the biggest part of their body. And it’s fairly hefty since it’s for swimming, splashing, and general mobility.
Here is one that is probably twice the size I originally thought… still a young one though.
The old rule is to check the distance from their nose to head. Estimated inches is equal to feet. So, a 6 inch nose is a 6 foot Alligator.
I’m not sure how accurate that is but when all you see is a head it’s better than nothing.
I think that verifying if the nose/length ratio is correct would be good work for you. 🙂 I generally like viewing gators in the winter when they are in semi-hibernation. I have found that they still will hiss in warning – when holding a camera in my hands disengages brain and I get too close.
I do know of someone who stepped on one that way. 😀.