Second gator

[bcla]

That strikes me as odd for any species. Usually a mother with her young is the fiercest creature you can encounter, for any species.

Not saying you're incorrect, just simply noting it's very unusual.

Depends on the species. Quite a few species just leave, like most fish. Some of course die after mating.

Being protective only goes so far. We've talked about the American black bear. They're well known for just running when confronted. A mama bear might signal a cub to climb a tree, but more than likely will just run and leave the cubs behind. They use their sense of smell to find them, and life goes on.

Not sure how protective an alligator might be, when they lay up to 50 eggs at a time. I guess they're relatively protective for reptiles.

 

[JimMIA]

Not sure how protective an alligator might be, when they lay up to 50 eggs at a time. I guess they're relatively protective for reptiles.

The new Mom's are very protective with their first batch. As they get older and realize that everything that moves eats their babies, I guess they get resigned to it somewhat.

But it's very much an individual critter thing. I've seen one Mom that I think might let you pick up her babies, and others who remained very aggressive even in their 5th-6th breeding season. I've also seen fed babies who would actually crawl into your airboat in hopes of getting fed.

You get the same variance with the males. Generally the male is a predator, but I have seen at least two guarding the little ones right along with the Mom.

We also had another Mom who had about a 4-foot juvenile helping her take care of the little ones, and for two years. Usually they run the survivors off when they get 2 1/2-3 feet long because of predatory instincts, but I guess this Mom had an understanding with the juvie (you eat one of them, I eat you).

 

[Claudia1]

Was the reporter near the water at night, putting food in the water? I had the sound off while my family was watching TV but that is what it looked like.