When I grow up I'm going to be a handbag!

I took this photo at Oakvale Farm as this smiley chap was basking in the sun.

I wonder if he knows what his future is likely to be!

He is an American alligator. Thought I had better mention that he isn't a native croc. Apparently the nose on an alligator is wider and bigger than a crocodile.

Today's main album photo
http://365project.org/onewing/365/2014-04-25

[Elaine]

I thought Crocs were a protected species now. I wouldn't like to come across him when I am walking along the path.

[Babs]

@elaine55 This one is an American alligator, not an Aussie croc, so may not be protected as it probably isn't an Australian citizen. ha ha.

[Annie D]

oh - I know they are bred in croc farms for this but I hate the thought - I love crocodiles

[Jane Morley]

Will never buy a handbag made from one of these,although they still give me the creeps (the crocs ,not the handbags) did you get very close? He's a beauty.

[Kane Arlow]

Ha ha, love the caption, you certainly made me laugh.

[Elaine]

@onewing LOL

[Yao RL]

Please don't say that, I don't want him becomes a handbag. He is so comfy and let it be.

[Ian Watts]

Amazing shot babs - and amazing bravery as I presumed this was taken at high zoom - not 28mm. You must have been fairly close!!

[sally agnew]

Lovely capture Babs. I must admit I find it totally abhorrent that he may become a handbag to grace a hip :-)

[Rachel]

Haha, what a good caption. Do they really farm alligators for that?

[Pat Knowles]

I do hope not!

[April]

Good shot! I've never grasped the difference between crocs and alligators even though my husband has tried to explain it to me on numerous occasions. I've always felt these animals look really prehistoric; they scare the heck out of me but I don't want to see him as a handbag either.

[gayelene]

great photo :) love the caption to :)

[Babs]

@elaine55 They blend in very easily don't they.

[Babs]

@annied I think this one will die of natural causes. They are well looked after at Oakvale.

[CINDY JOHNSON]

wow i love the caption too i would have been so close

[Babs]

@chimfa Yes I was pretty close, but there was a fence between me and the alligator. Not a very high fence though now I come to think of it.

[Babs]

@karlow75 That good that it made you laugh.

[Babs]

@elaine55 Thanks Elaine.

[Babs]

@yaorenliu Don't worry, all the animals at Oakvale are very well looked after and I am sure this one will live to a ripe old age.

[Babs]

@iwatts I was fairly close, but there was a fence between me and the alligator.

[Babs]

@hermann I am sure this one will last a very long time. All the animals at Oakvale Farm are very well looked after.

[Babs]

@888rachel Not at Oakvale they don't. I am sure this chap will probably outlive me. He and his friends are very well looked after.

[Babs]

@happypat I think he is pretty safe Pat.

[Babs]

@april16 I can never remember which is which either. I know that the nose is fatter on one and I think that is the alligator, but I still could have it the wrong way round. He won't end up as a handbag though.

[Babs]

@onlyme111 Thanks so much.

[Babs]

@pittcj17 Thanks Cindy. There were a few in this enclosure and I was keeping my eye on all of them.

[Deb]

Love the caption! Looks like you were closer than I'd like to be to one of these guys. Great shot!!

[Babs]

@dgrynn Now I come to think of it I was pretty close. The things we do to get a photo. Still got two arms and legs though so came away unscathed.

[Laurie F]

AWESOME!!!! A FAV

[Angela]

Ha ha!

[Molly]

Great title! It almost looks as if it's guessed where its future lies!

[Derek Vickers]

I love the title Babs. Very snappy. Nice image.

[Babs]

@lafish Thanks so much for the fav. Laurie

[Babs]

@angelar Glad it made you smile.

[Babs]

@dolphin He will probably die of natural causes and then become a handbag ha ha.

[Babs]

@derekvickers Thanks Derek. I thought he was a snappy dresser too.

[Kathie]

Quick, grab him You could have matching shoes.

[Babs]

@kathiecb If I grab him I may only need one shoe if he takes my leg off.

[Gena Pegg]

Kinda scary...almost looks like you could just think he was log if you were walking down that path...whoa! Great capture..you are awfully close!