A few years ago I took this amazing road trip from my home in the mountains of western North Carolina to a little place in Florida called the Everglades. Perhaps you’ve heard of it?

Ok, ok, so it’s not so little. It’s actually a protected wetlands area that spans over 1.5 million acres and is home to all kinds of unique animals and reptiles, some found no where else in the world.

While there I had the opportunity to admire some of the most magnificent creatures I’d ever laid eyes on – including the American Alligator.

Yes, they might be creepy, BUT, watching these wild beasts in nature simply took my breath away.

Having lived in Florida before (but without ever visiting the Everglades) and vacationed on the coast and islands in South Carolina many summers as a kid where I used to see alligators when I was out riding my bike (!) these weren’t the first alligators I had ever seen.

But I tell ya, something about these particular giants really captivated me! I felt as if I could just watch them for hours.  Their prehistoric semblance had me downright mesmerized.

These photos I took in a portion of the Everglades called Big Cypress.

So, how DO you be friends with an alligator?

Well, unless you’re an alligator too- by leaving them alone! By keeping your distance and sending them your admiration from afar.

Oh, and in your imagination of course : )

(important note: With the Miami metropolis constantly expanding, each year the Everglades is sadly becoming smaller and smaller. And with the disappearance of this precious wild area the fate of these alligators and so many other enchanting exotic creatures would be doomed.

As a HUGE animal lover, it’s part of my business credo that a portion of all Stella Deer profit is given back to help wildlife. So besides sharing these pictures of what I believe to be such a captivating creature to hopefully inspire you with the appreciation of all the amazing diversity of life on this planet [yes, alligators may be scary, but they too are an important part of the delicate balance found in nature!], I’ve also just made my first donation of 2016 to The Nature Conservancy to help save the Everglades. You too can make a donation right here.)

Now leave a comment and tell me, have you ever been up close and personal with an alligator? Or is there another wild animal you’ve come across that you’ve been particularly drawn to?

p.s. if ya missed the behinds the scenes pic of the photographer (moi!!) it’s cause you’re not on the email list!  Sign up here and next time you won’t miss a thing : )