Breaux Bridge in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
American Alligator
Alligator mississippiensis
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, February 27, 2018
1. American Alligator Marker
Inscription.
American Alligator. Alligator mississippiensis. , Cypress Island Preserve supports many alligators, including in some of the largest in Louisiana. While visiting the preserve between March and October, you may see alligators up to 10-15 feet long along the western edge of Lake Martin. Alligators feed on a wide variety of animals, such as fish, birds, turtles, frogs, snakes, and nutria.
Courtship and mating occur in April and May. Nest building and egg laying occur from late May through early July. About 40 eggs are laid in a large nest made from vegetation and mud. Heat from the rotting vegetation incubates the eggs. In August and September, the young hatch and seek cover along the water's edge. Baby alligators are about 9 inches long and are protected by the mother through the first winter. The alligator is one of the few reptile species that cares for its young.
Cypress Island Preserve supports many alligators, including in some of the largest in Louisiana. While visiting the preserve between March and October, you may see alligators up to 10-15 feet long along the western edge of Lake Martin. Alligators feed on a wide variety of animals, such as fish, birds, turtles, frogs, snakes, and nutria.
Courtship and mating occur in April and May. Nest building and egg laying occur from late May through early July. About 40 eggs are laid in a large nest made from vegetation and mud. Heat from the rotting vegetation incubates the eggs. In August and September, the young hatch and seek cover along the water's edge. Baby alligators are about 9 inches long and are protected by the mother through the first winter. The alligator is one of the few reptile species that cares for its young.
Erected by The Nature Conservancy of Louisiana.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Entertainment.
Location. 30° 12.196′ N, 91° 53.978′ W. Marker is in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, in St. Martin Parish. Marker is on Rookery Road east of Prairie Highway (State Highway 353), on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1001 Rookery Road, Breaux Bridge LA 70517, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, February 27, 2018
2. American Alligator Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 1, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 247 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on March 1, 2018.
