This is an American alligator, about 10 feet long and sunning in a sandy area. They are cold blooded animals and they lay in direct sunlight, to replenish body heat. This photo was taken about 7 years ago with my old Minolta DiMage camera. Zoom works if you want to check out the teath. This is not a zoo alligator. The following info is from Wikipedia: An alligator is a crocodilian in the genus Alligator of the family Alligatoridae. There are two existing alligator species: the American alligator and the Chinese alligator. The name alligator is an anglicized form of el lagarto, the Spanish term for lizard, which early Spanish explorers and settlers in Florida called the alligator. The alligator is notorious for its bone-crushing bites. Alligators have a variety of successful adaptations to their ecological niche. The alligator has been described as a 'living fossil', having existed for 200 million years, beginning in the Mesozoic Era. A large adult American alligator's weights about 800 pounds (360 kg) and is about 13 feet (4.0 meters) long, but can grow to 14.5 feet (4.4 meters) long and weigh over 1,000 pounds (450 kg). The largest alligator ever recorded, was found in Louisiana and measured 19 feet 2 inches (5.84 meters). The Chinese alligator is smaller, rarely exceeding 7 feet (2.1 meters) in length. Alligators have an average of 75 teeth. A specimen in the Riga Zoo, Latvia died in 2007 being more than 75 years old. Thanks for stopping by, taking a look and for all your previous favs and comments. They are very much appreciated. Dana