Some Stills from a Day out Filming (video added)

[mullet]

I love the picture of the Scrub Jay, you don't see many anymore. And that gator was smiling,,,and thinking,, hmmm, one step closer and another tourist sandwich.

[sleek]

I am just in shock at how close you were to that thing. Why did you feel safe?

[PrimitiveTim]

I am just in shock at how close you were to that thing. Why did you feel safe?

Been around a lot of crocodilians and been around ones that did feel threatened.  This one didn't display any of those signs.  Alligators will always flee before they attack so long as they're not cornered, injured, or protecting a nest.  This one was healthy and had an escape route into the water.  Basically I wouldn't be a sure meal for the alligator.  It would very likely not be a successful kill and he would end up wasting a lot of calories for nothing.  Therefore, it's not going to attack.

[sleek]

Well if you say so... but I'm not gonna bet that they think things through like that. I'm not bad a $$ enough to not be a sucsesful kill either. I doubt I could do much to hurt that thing. But then, I'm inexperienced ( and hope to stay that way) which probably triggers my fear/respect for them.

[PrimitiveTim]

Because alligators are cold blooded, they're going to fatigue much quicker than us.  In order to have a successful kill it would have to get me in the water and drowned pretty quick.  The water in the background isn't deep enough for that.  An alligator that size would only view me as a predator and not prey.  They 12'+ gators do make me a little nervous when I'm kayaking near them though.

[sleek]

Balls of steel bro... props to you.

[tipi stuff]

Great photos! Curtis