I am only now seeing this. They sure are taking notice of one another...that a fact! }:=)

...neat shot!

Thanks, friend. Glad you like it.

Yea, they are. It is amazing how relaxed the gators are out there. They are rather laid back types. One had his tail in the walkway, so you kind of had to be sure to walk around him. You can get rather close to them, of course you don't want to get the cocky attitude about it either, because they will get you just to show you you can't get away with acting that way. :=8Þ

If I were braver, I'd probably try to pet one, but 4' away is about the closest I've been to them.

One of the reasons I've not been brave enough to try it. I shall have to find such a place, I'd love to hug one. Wild ones CAN be tamed, but it takes something major, I figure, like the guy in Costa Rica who has the "pet" croc he rescued after he was shot.

I think about the only way you could get THAT close to a wild gator is living someplace where they are and having the opportunity to have the time to get to know them and all that. Granted, they are more easy-going at the state park than they would be in the true wild, but I do understand your point and concern. Through the years, I've gotten better with being able to approach animals, but I can't say I'm quite the master of it just yet.

But yes, one raised from a hatchling and used to the attention is the better option... still a tough though one would let you do more than just pet him, but actually cuddle with him and all. Of course... the Costa Rica croc guy that saved the shot croc, a 20' one mind you; he gets in the water with him, wrestles and plays with him and all that. There are a couple of YT videos about it, and it's really neat to see.

It seems animals have a sense of us, and our presence or lack of benevolence toward them. It requires a certain kindness, yet lack of fear, a childlike daring curiosity and loving nature dare I say to make them feel at ease. Some animals seem more receptive than others; reptiles probably being a bit more of a distant variety. Doesn't mean those barriers cannot be surpassed, but it does take being in a location you see them often... your willingness to be outdoors a good bit for them to familiarize with you and who you are. We cannot directly speak with them; we can speak kindly to them, but it's how we look and scent to them, and how we carry ourselves and act they more shall notice. I figure if you spent a great deal of time around any creature, and they came to see you as a fellow one of theirs, and not either predator or prey, there can be friendship there. Personally, I think it's that much cooler, when it happens out in the wild or in a free setting than captive, because then you know it is free will to be around you and your company, and if you aren't particularly feeding them, you know it isn't even about food. Wild or farm, you ever snuggle up with a gator, I'd love to see a picture of that. Reptiles tend to be seen as cold creatures (no pun intended), lacking much an emotional existance; any contradiction to that is always a nice thing to see.

We are superior to them in a way, but... we also are to love and care for them also. I hope you didn't think I was trying to get that reptiles had no feelings at all, it's just... some animals seem more inclined toward emotional response than others. Although on the other paw, perhaps they are, and it isn't as easily perceived by us. In general, we are so indoctrinated into our hectic secular lives of work and money and a home, and all the hustle and bustle, we aren't as in tuned with nature as people once were. The "intimate" touch-feelyness of the natural world is becoming lost, and it's really depressing to think about. Animals do sense fear and dislike of them; if you enjoy their presence, they likely know that, and will be more likely to act calm and friendly around you. Entirely possibly you might be able to befriend yon wild gators.

*purrrs*