Whoa! I would be terrified if I saw one of these! But then again, I suppose you are as use to them as I would be of deer or cows. The exception being that deer and cows aren't known to bite people and eat other animals! Great shot Alex, even if it's not too close, we can definitely tell what it is! I love the tangle of branches and roots and the shelf fungi on the downed tree in the foreground:)

That's a 'large and in charge' fella. Good capture on this one!

I use to be scared to death of these creatures.
But after spending some time around them they really are beautiful amazing creatures. Being from the north , we seem to think from 'Television "that they are aggressive and will chase us for miles . In reality they want little to do with us if given the chance to get away they will . I have a healthy respect for them but don't fear them as I once did . Great shot.

Thanks Lake Michigan. I personally wouldn't say it's a great shot, I quickly snapped it because I figured which I was right, that when I came around the corner he would be gone. I suppose the scene adds some mystery though. I thought it was neat he was chilling along the foot path, not that uncommon, but as you mentioned, they do try to get away, but if he wanted to, he could have taken me, most gators in the area are 2 - 3 foot, these fellow was a worthy opponent to say the least. :)