While it may be extremely hot and
sweaty, going for a swim may not be the best option to cool down in the Everglades.
The water may be crystal clear and tempting
but, beware danger lurks around every lily pad. After further exploration, one
of Florida’s most feared creatures were spotted hiding in between the vegetation
on today’s expedition along the trails in the everglades national park.
The American Alligator can grow to reach the enormous size of 15 feet long and have been recorded to travel at speeds of about 20 miles per hour. They are primarily carnivorous and come equipped with some of the strongest jaws found in nature to help them crack through turtle shells. When that method of hunting can’t be used because the prey is to large, alligators use the skillful tactic of drowning the animal by dragging them in the water! That being said, they may not make the best swimming companion!
While many uneducated citizens may wish
to hunt this predator because they believe it will create a safer environment
for them to live in, it will actually cause the environment more harm therefore
making it a much more dangerous habitat. Alligators are considered one of the
most important key stone species to the everglades for many reasons. The first being
how the females lay their eggs. This process aids in the creation of peat as
well as providing a habitat for turtles to later use as a nesting grounds. Alligators
also create holes in the soil, allowing water to collect in these areas. This will
eventually help promote life for many species of wild birds and fish because
they now have more places to hunt for food and shelter when the dry seasons
come.
In past years alligators have been placed on
the endangered species list due to their over hunting and sever
changes in habitat. In order to prevent the loss from getting much worse the government
took fast action and created farms and hunting regulation to help the population
rebuild itself. In recent years the
population has begun to improve and is now within an acceptable range but in
order to keep it this way the regulations must remain in place.
For more information visit:
It’s crazy to think one species is responsible for cypress domes which, in turn, provide sanctuary for so many Everglades species. Their “wiggle wiggle” / “shimmy shimmy” creates holes for water to congregate and releases phosphorous to an otherwise depleted ecosystem. The subsequent tree growth provides protection not only from predators but the suns powerful rays. With the drastic reduction in heat I would want to spend my time in Florida there ... If there weren’t alligators...
ReplyDeleteI loved your blog! One of the park rangers had told me about how people have been feeding the alligators and how detrimental that is to the animals. Not only is that causing the animals to stray from their natural behavior but they are also beginning to associate people with food and this could be dangerous. I definitely agree that gators are not the best swimming companions and they also aren’t the best animals to give some snacks.
ReplyDelete