Snakes-n-Scales and Turtle Tales

Critters Page 2

Critters Page 4

CRITTER CREDENTIALS PAGE 3

American Alligator

This is a recent, September '04, shot of Blue. Handsome isn't he? Well "Handsome" here is now 50 lbs. and five and half feet long! So he lives in a pond enclosure that is 10 feet long and 6 feet wide. The size of a small room!

"Old Friends"
Bill and BlueAmerican Alligator, 'Blue and Bill'

Alligators can be worked with to become used to being handled. We have many that are used to teach with, but none are quite like Blue. Almost since the day we met, he and I have had an understanding and trust of each other. I don't believe he cares for me, but he is willing to tolerate me and the work we ask him to do. I certainly have grown very fond of him. It is common knowledge that when you work with reptiles, you may get bitten. They do not understand the changes of situations that a dog or cat wouldn't care about and with that, they become nervous. A nervous animal is uncomfortable and may communicate it's discomfort by biting. I accept this as part of the job. Blue has always been very patient and though I'm sure he does get nervous, he has never tried to hurt me.

Critters Page 2

Critters Page 4

Email:reptiled@concentric.net Phone: 973-248-9964

 

All photographs are the property of Snakes-n-Scales and Turtle Tales and may not be used without permission.
Photographs by Joe Boesenberg