I had just told two people all the locals (Alligators) were down the trail at the rookery. They were from out of town and had probably walked down the road from the the plantation looking for Alligators. The ‘Chicago Cubs’ sweat shirts gave them away.

Yet they no sooner moved off and…

he was a few steps away in the duck weed.

It’s too bad. This guy was certainly close enough to have been a highlight of their trip. A 5 footer (1.5 meter) is a nice size to see.

People who visit always want to see an Alligator. They are also completely amazed they are not behind a fence, or even bars, but simply sitting right there.

We usually tell them no one bothers them, and besides, they were here first.

note; we say these things very casually, like it’s no big deal. But ‘it’s really way cool!!!’ Only 5 years ago I was thinking the same thing.

Charleston, South Carolina.

I saw him move, so he’s OK. But I have walked by here 3 times in the last week. It’s like he never moved. Alligators don’t eat much, especially this time of year, but really…

Around him are other Alligators, lots of Herons, even a photographer or two. He doesn’t seem to care.

He has a prime spot on this old wooden ramp, not giving it up.