Alligator Eating Turtle
Photo and caption by Frances Gaines
While photographing the stunning formal gardens and abundant bird life found at Middleton Place Plantation early one fall morning, I chanced upon this juvenile "swamp gator" trying to eat a turtle. Both animals reside at the plantation mill pond and are considered "typical" species for the area. The alligator tossed the turtle into the air several times and tried to crack the turtle's shell by trapping it in his vise-like jaws and biting down with force. This turtle lived to see another day after a long, harrowing bout with the hungry gator. His shell saved the day!
Location: Middleton Place Plantation along the Ashley River near Charleston, SC