american alligator in the catoctin zoo near frederick in western maryland.

wildlife animal leaf green nature reptile amphibian invertebrate branch water pond american alligator zoo catoctin frederick western maryland gator crocodilian native southeastern united states alligators apex predators fish amphibians reptiles mammals hatchlings invertebrates ecosystem wetland ecosystems wet dry habitats organisms breeding bellow territory mates male infrasound females eggs laid nest vegetation sticks leaves mud sheltered water protected