SWEETWATER WETLANDS PARK: MAY & JUNE 2023 скачать в хорошем качестве

SWEETWATER WETLANDS PARK: MAY & JUNE 2023

I’ll probably never forget the first time I heard and felt an alligators’ rumbling bellow during the breeding season. Conjuring in my mind the dying idle of a Harley Davidson or some medieval dragon experiencing indigestion, the growl can be particularly unnerving if you are unaware of the source. This May I once again found myself observing and filming Goliath, one of the largest gators in the park in this spring courtship ritual. It is best not presume that alligators in this or any park are “accustomed” to people and approachable. This is NOT a zoo and you are not the Crocodile Hunter. Your safest position is on the gravel trail. Do not go near the waters edge. Do not let your children and toddlers stray far from you. Do not bring your pets. Be wary of Goliath ( at the rear of Cell 1), never provide him the opportunity to stalk you from behind… because if you’re not paying attention, he will. Identifying Goliath is not too difficult. His large back and hip is very broad and rounded, a trait I’ve only seen with another, Quasimodo. Unlike Quasi however, Goliath’s nose is flat, and the bumps on his back and neck look severely weathered down. This 12 foot gator also seems to have something the others may not. I suspect he has experience with people. Last summer he saw me sitting on the edge of the trail. He aligned his body in my direction and set a course. I grabbed my camera gear and vacated my seat as soon as I realized he meant business. He plowed through the weeds and planted himself where I was sitting. I had his undivided attention. With all of my gear moved back to an acceptable distance, he began his slow, staggered John Wayne stroll across the trail to pursue another rival. It was an unforgettable encounter. This time around, he was preoccupied with his harem and bellowing seemed to put them in the mood for breeding ( which unfortunately I was not able to witness). One female in the group had a change of heart and departed, swimming east towards Cell 2 . Goliath took notice. He quickly caught up with her and efficiently diverted her back into his territory. It would be safe to presume that if he knows where the females are that quickly, he knows and observes where we are too. Many thanks to the park rangers. Keeping visitors and animals safe can be challenging. Also thanks to the photographers and visitors who share their stories, experiences and love of wildlife. For those new to the park, it is advisable never go to the waters edge. Leave the pets and bicycles at home. Do not feed or harass the animals. MUSIC CREDITS TRACK 1 Song: "Insomnia" by Sarah Jansen Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://bit.ly/sarah-jansen-insomnia   / insomnia   Creative Commons BY License. TRACK 2 Song: "You Can't Turn Back Time" By PUNCH DECK   / you-cant-turn-back-time   Creative Commons License.