baby gators (wild) on the Withlacoochee River Florida

"Crooked River" near Lacoochee Florida.

Baby alligators (video handheld camera on boat)

Nearly all alligators become sexually mature by the time they reach about 7 feet in length although females can reach maturity at 6 feet. A female may require 10 to 15 years and a male 8 to 12 years to reach these lengths. Courtship begins in early April, and mating occurs in May or June. Females build a mound nest of soil, vegetation, or debris and deposit approximately 32 to 46 eggs in late June or early July. Incubation requires approximately 60-65 days, and hatching occurs in late August or early September.

From an average clutch size of 35, an estimated 4 alligators will reach maturity.