King of the Marsh -- Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Austwell TX USA
N 28° 18.288 W 096° 48.326
14R E 715194 N 3132922
The flora and fauna information sign about the Big George, the King of the Marsh, in the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, along the hiking trail over the slough
Waymark Code: WM161NM
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 04/14/2022
Views: 1
This flora and fauna information sign is located along the wooden bridge over the Freshwater Slough that leads to a hiking trail at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge near Austwell Texas. Look down, and you will see Big George, who hangs out here almost all the time.
The waymarked sign reads as follows:
"THE KING OF THE MARSH
American alligators are apex predators. Other than humans (or another alligator), nothing will kill and eat an adult alligator. What adaptations make alligator such successful hunters? They are extremely fast swimmers, can move up to 30 miles an hour in short bursts on land, and use their powerful jaws to crush their prey.
Alligators have armored bodies making them safe from all predators, except humans.
Alligators live in fresh and brackish (slightly salty) marsh communities, where they find everything they need to survive, invest, and feed. Alligators feed on just about anything including carrion, and in turn help maintain the natural balance in prey populations.
Alligators have the fiercest bite of all the predators. Scientists discovered these reptiles have more power in their jaws (3,700 pounds per inch) than lions or sharks.
An alligator will make a quick meal of these young javelinas.
Alligators are efficient swimmers. Look for them in the water, sometimes with only their eyes visible, and out basking in the sun.
Please do your part to keep alligators WILD. Feeding them is unhealthy for them it makes them less wary of humans. When accustomed to humans, alligators need to be relocated, which can potentially mean death for the alligator.
[ANWR logo] [US Fish & Wildlife logo]"
Visit Instructions:
Take a photo of yourself (and others) at the waymark and feel free to share any additional information or that is not contained on the sign or your experience generally.