Watch for the occasional bald eagle, migrating through the swamp to Florida wintering sites. With cool weather comes the traditional fall color change. Cypress needles turn a golden brown, and sweetgum leaves glow a reddish hue before tumbling to the ground. December Otters are seen swimming in the lakes and boat trails as alligators become less active and cease feeding. Many white ibis, egrets and herons feed in the shallow lakes and prairies.
Alligators are survivors of prehistoric times.
They have existed on our earth for 140 million years. Between 10,000 and 12,000 of these reptiles make their home at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Baby alligators usually hatch in late August or September. They make high-pitched grunting noises to let the mother know, so she can dig them out of their nest mound. Growth rate is dependent on temperatures and food supply available.