American Alligator, Still Pool, Everglades National Park

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This alligator was resting in a still pool early one morning in Florida's Everglades National Park. Because they are cold blooded, they stay mostly submerged when air temperatures are cool, and haul themselves out of the water to lay in the sun and soak up heat when temperatures are warm. They retain this heat in their bodies for nighttime hunting, and are typically quite docile during daylight hours.