Alligator mississippiensis

American Alligator

Florida Distribution: entire state.

Identification:  up to 4.8 M. Much broader snout than the American Crocodile, which is only found in salt or brackish water in the lower tip of the state including the keys.

Alligators are protected in Florida. Some permits are issued each year for hunting, harassing them is not permitted though. And though they are not as aggressive as Crocodiles, they can be dangerous, even deadly in the right situation. Best viewed from a distance

Nine foot Alligator possibly the mother of the babies pictured at bottom.

Two feet long and all attitude. This was crossing from a pond to a lake.

Close up of eye.

These are fairly fresh hatched and swimming in their creche. 

Resting amongst Water Fern (Salvinia sp.) and Water Pennywort (Hydrocotyle sp.) 

Albino at reptile dealer.