Are You Threatening Me, Boy?
A couple of alligators sunning themselves beside the water in Elm Lake, Brazos Bend State Park. Although the smaller gator's open mouth might look like a threat display, it's almost certainly a case of thermal regulation, as alligators will do that when conditions warrant, as they did here.
Gators often hang out together this time of year since mating season will soon be upon us - and them. Mating usually happens in March and April, preceded by a short period of courting. Given the disparity in sizes of these two, the smaller one is probably a female.
Note, also, the red teeth, which means they have probably eaten something recently. They can and often do go the whole winter without eating, so they likely have just broken their long fast.
Are You Threatening Me, Boy?
A couple of alligators sunning themselves beside the water in Elm Lake, Brazos Bend State Park. Although the smaller gator's open mouth might look like a threat display, it's almost certainly a case of thermal regulation, as alligators will do that when conditions warrant, as they did here.
Gators often hang out together this time of year since mating season will soon be upon us - and them. Mating usually happens in March and April, preceded by a short period of courting. Given the disparity in sizes of these two, the smaller one is probably a female.
Note, also, the red teeth, which means they have probably eaten something recently. They can and often do go the whole winter without eating, so they likely have just broken their long fast.