Mid-Valley alligator family doing well

WESLACO — Two baby alligators at Estero Llano Grande State Park have been the source of enthusiasm from park staff and visitors, said natural resource specialist Jennifer Owen-White.

The hatchlings made their debut at the park three weeks ago and have since been spotted around the lake with their mother. Park naturalists estimate the young gators to be nearing one year of age because of their proximity to their parents.

"Most reptiles will lay their eggs and leave but alligators parent for up to the first year," White said. "We just got our first look at the babies so the mother has finally decided to bring them out and teach them to swim and hunt."

Park officials said young gators could be on the way when they began hearing mating calls between the adults months ago.

"We heard noise between the male and female and then the female disappeared; probably to deal with the babies," White said. "We don't know how many eggs she laid, but having two babies now is good, because last year we found a nest that was completely infertile."

Park officials said the mother and father alligators migrated to the Estero Llano from adjacent U.S. fish and wildlife land.

"The alligators were living over there, but as soon as we added water to our pond they decided they liked it better and moved here," White said.

White said the hatchlings have started to show signs of independence from their mother and have been spotted swimming 15 feet away while the mother watches from the lake banks.

Estero Llano naturalist James Booker said the family of gators isn't shy, and estimated that as many as 80 percent of park visitors have seen the family.

"It's great alligator weather right now," Booker said. "You will usually see them outside in warmer weather."

Though the four-gator family can be seen frequently, park officials said the reptiles prefer to stay away from people and usually remain on the banks opposite the hiking trails.

"They don't come over to people," White said. "We like to teach people that alligators only become a problem to humans because they make them a problem by feeding them, tormenting them and throwing things at them. We remind people that alligators don't need us to provide for them."