Belle

Hazel and I decided to finish out our 4th of July Weekend at one of our favorite destinations - Belville River Walk. We were rewarded with the sight of the baby that's been here for the last few years in the fountain pond sunning on the grate. This 3.5 to 4 footer is very cautious and as soon as it noticed I was focused on it, into the safety of the water it slipped. All good wild Alligator behavior, as it means it has retained its natural fears of humans and is not being fed - especially considering its long term residency here..

​Belle quickly rose to a high walk and then slowly submerged into the murk all the while keeping a wary eye on me and my Black Dog. As I was trying to get to the pond's edge Hazel was pulling hard in the opposite direction. I'm sure it was quite comedic to view but my girl smelled Gator and was having none of it. I did manage to get a few shots in without being jerked towards the truck.

​Prepare to submerge...

​Safe!!

​Later lil’ Belle Gator...