Alligators Thermoregulators
They're not all about the bass, but they are all about the temperature. The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) population at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge gets pretty static during the winter months. They are ectotherms (their behavior is regulated by outside temperature). As spring brings warmer temperature, gators begin to move about. They thermoregulate like other reptiles by basking in the sun and cooling down in the shade and water. Activity is a relative term. To a gator, being active might mean crawling up on a log for the day. In contrast, an active otter might run, swim or slide. As you explore Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, check canals and shorelines to see if you can spot an alligator!
