Click here to learn more about American Alligators:
DO NOT allow children near the water.
DO NOT walk dogs near the water.
DO NOT swim at the rookery.
DO NOT feed the alligators.
DO NOT harrass the alligators.
Keep your distance!
There are at least three alligators at the rookery, all named Frank. Big Frank is probably about 8 or 9 feet long. Medium Frank is probably around 5 or 6 feet long. And Little Frank is just 3 or 4 feet long.
They spend most of their time on or near the shore of the island, or in the water. They sometimes lay on the path that surrounds the rookery. They also lay in the grasses that surround the paths, the peninsula, and the island.
The alligators do eat the birds, but not exclusively. They are ambush predators. Any bird that ventures near the water is at risk. Alligators are also opportunists, and would not hesitate to consume a baby egret that falls in the water.
Alligators will eat just about any animal. Fish, turtles, crustaceans, and amphibians are all on the table. Mammals, such as rats, raccoons, and squirrels, are also on the table. Even alligators are not safe around alligators.
Even though the alligators will eat the birds, they also protect the birds. Raccoons can swim, and will eat eggs and baby birds. Muskrats will also eat eggs and baby birds. The alligators protect the rookery by eating the mammals that prey on the birds and their young.
