10/09/2026
"Mama Gator to the rescue" - While filming hatchlings chirping in the marsh I knew that mom wouldn't be far away, but I couldn't see her. Little did I know she had been in the lake across from where I was standing on the trail. She had probably been taking a swim or on the hunt for food. She gave herself away while climbing up from the water to the trail...breaking branches and scraping her body on debris along the way. With me in her sights she paused, watching as I backed up. Her response was not aggressive, but deliberate as she crossed the trail and into the marsh to protect her hatchlings. Fortunately, mom didn't need to fight to protect her young this time. With dozens of babies vulnerable to predators like birds of prey, wading birds, fish, and even other gators, she is always on high alert. Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland, Florida