Video above: Giant gator spotted marching along same Pinellas pathway kids take to school
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) -- A young alligator was spotted "gaping" at Lakewood Ranch in Manatee County.
WFLA viewer Gordon Silver, who captured the stunning photo of the gator, said it's common to see many reptiles "gaping" during the hot summer months, as it's a way for the gators to cool themselves down.
"During the hot summer months, you may see gators doing 'Gaping.' This is a way the gators cool themselves down. They actually sweat through their mouth which allows the heat to escape," he said.
Biologists at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm said alligators and crocodiles gape to regulate body and head temperatures by dissipating excess heat.
"I spotted this little guy doing exactly that here in Lakewood Ranch," Silver added. "Check out those pearly white baby teeth."
