I walked a short distance down a dike recently. I had no plans to do far, a bugs and heat were wearing me down. As started an Alligator off to my left quickly ducked under the water. They usually do just that.
Wanting to see where he went, maybe get a shot, I looked down the edge.
The minute I was out of sight he had popped back up. We had one of those eye to eye moments. Of course I took the shot, he posed nicely staring up for the camera.
If you have any curiosity about Alligators click to view large. The first photograph is a pretty clear image of an Alligators eye, you can see the reflections in it.
We both went our way with no issues. Close yes, but not crazy close. He was probably more surprised than me.
They can be so aggressive I am glad your parted nicely 🙂 Charge up your camera The Notch and Kanc were showing color last Sunday mind you probably just swamp maples but its starting.
Cameras are always at the ready here 😁😁. We even keep one on the back porch for quick shots if needed. And those alligators, out in the wild they are much less aggressive than you would think when you are around them…thank goodness.
In the Lowcountry any colors are a long ways off yet. We finally cooled off at night now, down to 65 or so. Days still close to 90. But soon the marshes will get that gold look 👍👍.
Favorite time to grab shots of color before all becomes white up this way 🙂 Gators have been attacking others south of you. Stay safe
Wow. I will take your word, Ted, about the encounter not being crazy close. For those of us with little to no experience with alligators, any encounters, particularly an eye-to-eye one, would be “crazy close.” 🙂
There is almost always some distance, here I was at the minimum focus length of the 150-600. In our local swamp there have been times they get too close. Had one ‘push past me’ once. Very weird. Also we do step over their tails on a trail, if under 4 feet. Just something you slowly get accustomed to. 😛