This she scrapes into a high mound and then digs a cavity in the top of the heap in which she deposits about 29-68 eggs. Unlike most other reptiles, she guards them until they hatch about nine weeks later. Incubation is 2-3 months. When ready to hatch, baby alligators make faint squeaking sounds signaling their mother to help them tear open the mound. Baby alligators are 8 inches long when first hatched and grow 1 foot a year, reaching maturity at 6-7 years of age.
Young alligators are an easy prey to carnivorous fish, birds and mammals.
At all stages of growth they are attached and eaten by large alligators. Once considered an endangered species, the American alligator, under state and federal protection, has made a comeback. Alligators were hunted extensively for their hides and meat before they were protected.