She was staying close to the shore but at the time I could see or hear nothing. I knew there were about 13-14 young ones here. They were clever and stayed hidden right at the waters edge in brush.

Alligators are the only reptile that guard young after they hatch. They need to you since babies are small and just about everything out here will eat them.

I didn’t want to upset her, or get her excited so we stood there watching. Mom did start to move around the edges of the branches though.

And soon we heard the little ‘chirps’ of babies. Closer than I thought and right at the waterline. They were no larger than 6 inches (15 centimeters).

Mom was working her way around the brush watching us. Around here we are not considered much of a threat, but this not to mean you get too close or bother the young.

In the above image I tried to capture a few babies without leaning over.

The little ones stayed in the thick greenery, some slipping under the water. I did want a better open shot but today was not the day.

Mom was about 15 yards (13 meter) and floating. She was careful and calm.

There’s no reason to get her agitated so we move on.