Don't go in the water

Merrit Island National Wildlife Refuge
March 18,2007
This medium-sized alligator is having a sunbath. The operative of these reptiles to warm up in the sun while trying to lull any unsuspecting bird / fish / animal close enough to become a lunchtime snack. The gator appears to already be well fed and, fortunately, is facing in the direction away from us. The photo was taken from a slight uphill location with a telephoto lens. If this critter was really hungry then we were probably not far enough away to be definitely safe if the creature should decide to make a mad dash for the crowd of adults and children watching.
Check Lydia's blog on my links section for a couple of other critters spotted on our Sunday sojourn.