A baby alligator basks in the sun along the banks of Paurotis Pond in the Everglades. Alligators and crocodiles thermoregulate their body temperatures by opening their mouths, and can lay motionless for long periods of time in this position. Viewing a larger predator in this position can look very menacing; however, from this youngster, it looks more like a sweet smile.
tagged: alligator paurotis pond florida everglades
