alligator resting in the water in the louisiana bayou an hour outside of new orleans.

animal wildlife plant tree branch warmth winter bayou orleans lousiaina american native southeastern ecosystem wetland ecosystems wet habitats organisms eggs nest vegetation mud water protected marsh marshland low-lying land flooded seasons tide waterlogged times coastline coast sea grass grasses cattails bog fen mire moork morass muskeg slough louisiana landscape lousiana prey propel alligator resting gator large crocodilian reptile united states species genus larger alligators apex predators consume reptiles hatchlings feed invertebrates breeding bellow territory mates infrasound sticks leaves sheltered