The modern-day American alligator has existed for over 2 million years, a relic of nature's wildness. C.C. Lockwood devotes himself to to uncovering facts about this ancient, dragon-like species. Lockwood travelled the Gulf Coast to study the alligator in its environment. He also followed biologists through wetland refuges, visited tourist attractions and theme parks, and toured alligator farms and meat processors to create a definitive photo gallery: newly hatched babies still bearing an egg tooth; mothers cavorting with their young; nine-foot gators confronting the camera; and females defending their nests. Lockwood brings us alongside scientists tagging alligators for research, seasoned guides hand-feeding both captive and wild gators, and nuisance trappers pursuing aggressive or displaced ones.