Alligator - Modern Day Dinosaur

 From eight inches long and a few ounces to 10 feet long and 500 pounds, that's the life of the American alligator. It's one of the largest reptiles in North America with a bite force of up to 2000 psi; the jaws of death to any animal unlucky enough to be caught in them. Surprisingly, these same jaws can tenderly be used to take its babies to the water when they hatch and protect them for a year or more. They can lay up to 100 eggs and will guard them fiercely against any and all intruders.The nest temperature regulates how many males or females are in a nest, cooler temperatures equal more females, warmer, more males. This awesome reptile can reach a maximum length and weight of 14 feet and more than a 1000 lbs, however, few ever reach that size, but for those who do, they have no predators, except for man.  These pictures were taken at Alligator Alley in Summerdale, AL, a very interesting place to visit.