Alligator, Everglades National Park, Florida

This one was a little creepy.  He kept following us as we walked along a trail (probably deciding if we were worth the energy of eating)

It is funny that we tend to think of all animals as "he".  Could be a lady gator. 

You were wise to give him or her your respect and distance.  Most wild animals have no interest in two legs,  The natural instinct is to hide or run.  The exception is when they have been given treats in the past.  He or she was probably trolling for tossed treats, not you.   If you were the gator, would you rather nibble on salty you or a nice deli sandwich ?

To determine the sex of an alligator, you need to flip it on its back and inspect the private regions.

Alligators don't like that very much.  So I'll just call him 'he".  No sexism implied or intended.

That's okay.   I will just toss him or her a sandwich and we can part friends.

Maybe alligators liked to have their bellies rubbed. Give it a try ! 

Kidding !  Kidding !  Kids and grown ups, don't try this !

After you -- please!