The Sonoran Alligator

Patterns in a fallen saguaro remind me of an alligator, taken on the Cone Mountain Trail in McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona on November 9, 2023. Originals: _Z720577.NEF to _Z720612.NEF

I’ve seen several new species this year while walking Bear, from a gray fox to a chuckwalla to this, the Sonoran alligator. Like it’s cousin in the marshes and swamps of the American South, our desert variety has eyes and nostrils at the top of its head, allowing it to lay still submerged beneath the desert floor. It was quite relaxed around Bear as the wildlife strangely often are, it smiled for the camera and showed off its fearsome maw but it was more curious than alarmed. Even so when I heard its stomach rumble I made my apologies and we continued down the path.

📷: Nikon Z 7II | Nikon 105mm macro
🗓️: November 9, 2023

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.