Food sources are readily available for the rearing of young. American alligators breed during this time of year. These reptilian reminders of ages gone by have their natural prenatal clocks tuned into air temperatures and rainfall. As they rise, so does the amorous behavior of this formidable predator. In mating season, gators are on the move.
Males are in search of ready females.
Females are attempting to outpace their male counterparts until their hormones dictate the time is right. Then, the females go staking out places to build their nesting mounds. Not only are they looking to scratch their amorous itchings, after winter's long cold sojourn, gators will go in search of food and feeding grounds. American alligators in Florida don't experience a dormant stage through winter, though they can and do go extended periods without the need for food. With populations of alligators on the rise and about one million living in Florida, coming in contact with a large reptile becomes very real.