There is something very exciting about watching a mama American Alligator guarding her nest for weeks all summer long, and then finally seeing these tiny creatures emerge in the fall! These 2 week old baby gators are no more than about 8-10 inches long. 
What a treat to watch the babies clamber all over one another and the mother. Although she keeps a close watch, they gradually begin to explore on their own as the weeks pass. There are often 25 or more hatchlings in a group, but fewer than half of that number will survive to a year. 
The juveniles will stay close to the mother for up to a year or more, but despite this maternal protection, they often fall prey to “the large, dominant, male American Alligators.” (Arkive).
Sadly, “Small alligators are eaten by a variety of predators including raccoons, otters, wading birds, and fish; however, larger alligators may be their most significant predator.” (Florida Fish & Wildlife). 
Females like this mama can reproduce when they reach approximately 6 feet in length, but for some, this may take up to 10 years or more. The American Alligator‘s rate of growth “may vary from 2″ per year up to 12″ per year, depending on the type of habitat in which the alligator is living and the sex, size and age of the alligator.” (Louisiana Dept.of Wildlife & Fisheries)
Birder's Journey 
awesome shots!
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Thanks so much, TZ! They are so adorable, and I was lucky that they were so close😊🐊
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Very cool, Bj! I have never seen the baby A before. 😀
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They’re so cute at this age : ). We’re lucky to see them close up, yet from safe distances.
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Cute lil guys! Thanks for the primer on gators and their babes.
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Thanks, Berny! They’re so vulnerable for such a long time. I always learn a lot when reading for a new blog post, too!
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AMAZING!!! Love how the pic where they look 2-headed! I can’t believe how precious these little creatures – who knew!?
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Lol. My thoughts exactly the first time I saw alligator hatchlings- so cute, who knew?!
BTW, I did a double take when I saw that pair – at first I thought it was a two headed gator 🙂
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Great photos! And I learned something new about gators.
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I’m so glad you stopped by, Teri and glad you found out about something new – thanks for your visit and for commenting!
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Neat find!
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So lucky that they were swimming around right beside the boardwalk 🙂
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Fascinating and informative story and beautiful babies!
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They are curiously very cute at this age, don’t you think? ; )
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Really a treat to see the baby alligator photos, BJ. And interesting info as well.
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These baby gators are a real favorite among visitors to the preserve!
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Lucky you! I hardly ever get to see this!
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We are so lucky, you’re right, Pam. Every year there is at least one preserve in our immediate area that has gator hatchlings. It is so fascinating to watch this unfold!
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OMG, they are cute when that little. I bet they get in the pet trade too. That mom looks rather protective though.
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Oh yes, that mom is very protective, and will watch over them for months. They’re so vulnerable.
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