Marc Graf (Austria) comes across a camouflaged alligator while in search of orchids in the Everglades.
Hiking through a dried-out swamp in search of blooming orchids, Marc spotted this large American alligator lying in a muddy hollow. Keeping his distance, he framed the alligator perfectly at the intersection between two fallen cypress trunks covered by ferns.
During the winter, when water is scarce, American alligators use their tails to dig out
hollows known as gator holes. These provide water and shelter for the alligators as well as for fish, birds, snakes and rodents. Any potential prey that venture too close risk being snapped up, though the alligators hunt mostly at night and tend to be less active in winter.
Austria
Marc is a professional photographer, filmmaker and conservationist based in Austria. He holds a Masters degree in Wildlife Conservation and Ecology. He primarily works on wildlife stories for magazines, conservation institutions, NGOs and television.
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