Found throughout Florida, the southern states and around the Gulf of Mexico, the American Alligator is one of the most fascinating creatures found in the US.
An apex predator, they are powerful and efficient hunters, yet unlike crocodiles, they rarely attack humans and are considered relatively docile if left unprovoked.
American Alligators are so numerous that Alligator farming for their hides and meat has become a big business. Sadly, the only other Alligators in the world – the Chinese Alligator – is listed as critically endangered with fewer than 1,000 left in the wild.
Most people equate the American Alligator with the Everglades and swampy areas of Florida.
This week has been declared National Wildlife Week in the US, by the National Wildlife Federation.
Since National Wildlife Week in Canada isn’t until next month, it means I get to do two ‘wild week’ posts, with this one focusing only on animals I’ve photographed in the USA.
Taking a quick count, it seems I’ve been to around 30 different American states. As far as wildlife goes I enjoyed Utah, Wyoming and Florida the most. From Yellowstone to the Everglades, here are seven wildlife photos in honour of National Wildlife Week, enjoy!
Elk Photographed in Cataloochee Valley, North Carolina
An Alligator walking past Vultures near the Anhinga Trail in the Everglades, Florida
Coyote photographed east of Mammoth, Wyoming
Harbor Seal lounging around at La Jolla Cove, California
Moose wading in a Watering Hole, near Jackson Hole, Wyoming
A Thirsty Bison, photographed in Yellowstone National Park
Mule Deer outside of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah
