critter
American alligator
- Scientific
- Alligator mississippiensis
In the book
The marina gators tourists get too close to; the grouper thief at Lostman's; Alligator Alley; the poachers who caused Dad's death.
Field notes
- Everglades gators tolerate brackish water near river mouths but prefer fresh.
- Splashing attracts them — Matt's rule about not splashing is real guide wisdom.
- Poaching for hides was once rampant; legal protection since 1967 brought them back.
More from the people who look after this place: Everglades National Park.
Appears in
Found nearby
-
Brown pelican Bertha and Oscar; the hooked pelican Snapper carries to the door; the fish-head thief at Lostman's. Ch. 2Ch. 5Ch. 7Ch. 13 +1 -
Bottlenose dolphin The playful pair at Lopez River; the mother who rams the hammerhead and bites her calf free of the net. Ch. 3Ch. 16 -
Mangroves Everywhere. The hideout at Pavilion Key, the storm tie-off, the overhangs where snook wait. Ch. 3Ch. 9Ch. 12Ch. 14 -
Oyster bars The thing that scrapes the hull, holds the Sea Belle, cuts your line, and hides the redfish. Ch. 2Ch. 3Ch. 12Ch. 18