More on American Alligators in Sea Pines Part II

This is a photo of an *abandoned* alligator nest, which you can see yourself near the right side of Rice Field Boardwalk as you go in, which is located in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. (see the map above). If you go here you are NOT allowed to take bits of the eggshells. That is a big no-no as you probably, um, know. :S
Alligator mothers are extremely protective of their eggs and will not hesitate to attack those who try to snag em' for their own devilish reasons. Alligator mothers don't sit on eggs all the time, but cover them with leaf litter and other stuff. Have you ever gone close to a compost pile? If you have, it was probably warm over there. Bacteria break down leaves and other stuff, and the bacteria reproduce rapidly, resulting in heat. Well, this process helps keep momma's little babies warm, while she looks for food.