This may sound odd but here goes. Last week the daytime temperatures were in the 90’s F (32 C) over the past week end a COLD front dropped in from the north leaving us with beautiful blue skies, cooler weather and the overnight temperatures plunged into the lower 60’s F (15 C) (lol). This morning while walking along the lake this alligator was sunning itself on the shore covered with a blanket of algae! Guess it was COLD too, since gator’s are COLD-blooded.
Patty Charles
Preserving the natural world one photo at a time
Patty Charles 
Not anywhere near as cold-blooded as Lawyers or Politicians.
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You forgot used car salesmen!
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How fast do you run when you see one? I think I asked this before, but don’t remember the answer – is it alligators or crocodiles that you are advised to run in a zigzag away from?
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Yours is a good question, I believe zigzag applies to crocodiles although it wouldn’t be a bad idea if a gator was chasing you down!
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I am sure that since I’d be panicking, I wouldn’t be running in a straight line either way
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cold-blooded, but probably not cold-hearted. Where do you see alligators? I have them only in the zoo.
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Tony, gators are found just about anywhere in the wild here, this time of year is mating season and they often go into populated areas.
A recent news report showed how one went inside a home through a pet door! As for the ones I have posted, they are in a lake not far from where I live.
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We did the same thing…but now we are warming right back up (but more rain on the way)….great capture. I don’t know what I would do if I saw one of those free on a river bank…you got way too close lol
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Meeting a alligator while on a walk is not my idea of fun. . .yikes!
I admire your courage to get close enough to photograph that fellow.
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That algae coating is really interesting. I notice the head and tip of the tail are algae free so what gives?
If a bear is chasing you try to outrun him by running downhill. They will usually beat you on the flats or uphill. We learn survival skills here at pcphotoblog.wordpress.com!
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Not sure why no algae on the head and tail. My reasoning is both ends are smooth compared to the armor scales of the body and the algae stuck to the body. If the entire reptile was covered this photographer may not have survived to tell the story.
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I just can’t imagine living in close proximity with alligators, still I suppose it forces you to keep focused at all times when out walking especially when you can get a great photo like this one.
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What a fine use of the theme. It is good the the algae isn’t everywhere on it, pretty well camouflaged as it is. I’m hoping your cats are indoor types!
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That algae makes great camo for that gator…sure glad we don’t have any!
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