A large alligator exposes its head and back in the water. The bony scutes adorning the alligator’s back are called osteoderms. Their armored skin is believed to aid in protection and thermoregulation.
Acknowledging Alligators ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY JOSEPH RICHARDS
A
mongst a mass of floating hydrilla and water reeds, I could hear the high-pitched chirps of Texas’ largest living reptile. I frequently visit Brazos Bend State Park on the outskirts of Needville, which harbors one of the highest densities of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in the state. The park is one the best places for viewing alligators. On almost all of my excursions, I encounter at least one alligator either basking on the bank or lurking motionless in the water. On this particular outing, I witnessed several new hatchlings all concentrated together on a large mound of decomposing plant matter and soil. The hatchlings were all piled atop each other and basking in the warm sunlight. Only about 10 inches long, alligator hatchlings present a quick and easy meal for wading birds, small carnivores, and other alligators; however, they will grow to recorded lengths of 14 feet and over 800 pounds. Reports of even larger individuals have been made across the alligator’s geographic range.
48
Texas Wildlife
The hatchlings possess a striking pattern of vertical yellow and black bands. Appearing somewhat conspicuous, they manage to vanish when they move through vegetation cover. Their contrasting yellow stripes fade with age as they become dark gray or black. Without their obsessive chirping, I may not have even noticed them or the female alligator lying by the mound. The hatchling’s calls went unattended as the mother alligator remained in her spot – determined to guard the nest that she carefully built and protected for the last two months. Incubation is a critical time period for the developing embryos of any egg-laying species. For all crocodilians, the temperature of the nest environment will determine the sex of the offspring. Warmer temperatures tend to promote males, while cooler temperatures promote females. Alligators grow throughout their lives. In their first months, they feed on insects, amphibians, crawfish and small fish. As they grow, they are able to capture largersized birds, turtles, snakes and mammals. Nutria (Myocastor