Speechless Sunday- Alligators hanging out with the turtles.
Amazing, especially since turtles are prey for alligators. The reason these little alligators are sunbathing with the turtles is because the gator caretakers keep the alligators tummies full. Since alligators are rather lazy creatures they are content just hanging out:)
I took this photo at the alligator pond at the Gaylord Resort in Orlando Florida.
I hope that poor Mr. Turtle is safe in that environment. Not something I see too often in my neck of the woods.
Frank:)
Melissa- No alligators in California, just rattlers:) They are so careful here about the turtles, no worries about them:)
Can't we all just get along like the turtles and gators? This picture is amusing - the gators look a little bit sinister.
I don't know I think that one gator is thinking about having turtle soup for dinner.
Katerina-I'm guessing the turtles have a lot to be thankful for during your picture taking session.
Wayne- Yes, they must be thankful that both they and those gators get enough to eat at the reserve there:)
That is amazing, the big guy and I were having a discussion the other day and I said that the turtles were prey for the gators.
Christine- :) yep, they like to eat turtles, one of their favorite meals. This is why this image is so amazing.
Julie- :) they only get along when they are not hungry:)
Tammie- usually that would be the case.
Cynthia- either would I!!!!
Katerina, I hope they do keep their bellies full! That would worry me! It looks like they are friends, though!
Katerina - turtles are not number one on the menu. And it is because of the shape. Too uncomfortable donut
Marney- ;) an alligator does not know how to be friends:) their brains are as small as a lima bean, they have no emotions and they are purely instinctive creatures. That is why it is so dangerous to get close to one or feed them in the wild.
Jon- I stand corrected. But they do eat them. Gators actually really don't have a favorite , they are lazy opportunists but only eat when hungry.
In the wild we can see turtles sharing a log with gators during the sun shine days- because alligators feed usually after sundown.
"Alligators have one of the most powerful bites in the natural world. Their teeth are not sharp, nor can they chew, but an adult alligator can exert more than 2000 lbs of pressure per square inch of their jaw. With 80 concrete-like pegs for teeth they can snap that jaw shut with lightning speed and make a delicious meal out of the crunchiest turtle. The problem with turtles is not that they have shells but the style of the shell. Florida Softshell Turtles (Apalone ferox) are quick and pliable. Normally they can squeeze into the narrowest crevices to avoid danger. The tenacious turtle in the bottom right photo went for a ride in the jaws of the alligator but eventually escaped. Yes that’s the poor thing’s snout."
Oh, yes, they sure do. They would eat anything that they can swallow. And it is fascinating how they can share the same space.
I remember once noticed that a dog was running along the canal, and I asked whether there were alligators there, and the guys said "Yes". I asked them how they are not afraid of a dog getting into the water, and they laughed and said tht they somehow get along.
Of course, it is always a huge risk. They are opportunistic and the fact that they did not attack the dog in the last two years may end up any day
Comments(15)