EverythingEverglades

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Gently persuaded one of the locals to move off the road without any of the stubbornness I’ve come to expect. Rather, he quite agreeably turned around and slid right off the road. Sorry buddy, I reserve the airlift service for turtles. #cottonmouth #snakecharmer #sometimesstubborn #everythingeverglades

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Roughly 10 years ago, Cecile, an American crocodile and the undisputed Queen of Shark Valley, somehow found her way from Flamingo in the southern tip of the Everglades to Shark Valley, nearly 40 miles inland. And she stayed! She lives in a area heavily populated with alligators, generally coexisting peacefully. Another younger crocodile appeared a few years later and (s)he too stuck around but is still to young to be a possible mate should it be a male. But you can see the maternal instincts run deep. Since I’ve known her, she has dug nests and possibly laid eggs each year and then protected that area aggressively for at least a while before giving up. I really hope that other croc turns out to be a boy and a desirable partner for her at some point! #americancrocodile #sharkvalley #lonelyheartsclub #evergladesnationalpark #everythingeverglades

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I’ve only seen this particular family once but it’s lovely to observe that these teeny hatchlings find that same comfort and security in being with Mom. Alligators really do make wonderful mums! 💚🐊💚 #alligstorhatchlings #theresnoplacelikemom #alligator #sharkvalley #everythingeverglades