I have two names for him. Crab Gator, or Chicken Gator. Neither are good because ‘never feed’ an Alligator. It’s the law and they will be euthanized, big fines too. It’s obviously not a good thing if big Alligators associate people with food.
This is a marsh spot that allows people to catch crabs with crab pots. There are huge Blue Claw Crabs here since they can live in brackish water.
Each time I pass by the biggest local swims right over quickly to check me out.
He is big, really big. I think he has figured out how to steal the crab bait, which is chicken. The crab fisherman may leave old bait in the water too. He knows and comes for it. This means he may not be afraid of people so I keep a good distance.
I have seen him walk by on the dike here but never got a photograph. I need space because he is bigger than the viewfinder with a long lens. Oh yeah, you only shoot him with a long lens.
He’s giving you the eye in the last photo 😏. I think I’d have a hard time keeping the camera steady with him in my viewfinder!
I just came back a little while ago from another trip out to his marsh area. He was the first stop around first good light. Once again, he popped up and came over to check me out. Looking to see if I had a crab pot 😂😂