As the days get shorter and the water and air temperatures cool, alligators enter a period of lethargy.    When the air temperature stays in the 60’s, and the water temperature drops below 68 degrees, their metabolism slows and they actually stop eating until spring.  This fine specimen, who is clearly not underfed, had been hanging out on the raft at Huyler House pond.  Perhaps this is the alpha female of the pond, who has nested there before and is often seen on the raft in the summer with young alligators.  Both photos are of the same alligator from different sides of the pond– you can see that she or he nearly hangs off both sides of the raft.  It looks like there is probably enough spare fat for this reptile to survive a long winter!

These are great afternoons to see alligators basking in the sun along the road to Chapel Pond dock as well… sometimes as many as 8 have been observed there as well.