Don't Think I Don't See You There - American Alligator at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Canvas Print

This American Alligator was at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge near Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

It is commonly believed that alligators have poor eyesight. However, according to the San Diego Zoo they "have keen eyesight above water, similar to that of an owl's." Their vertical pupils are able to open wider than round ones, letting in more light for night vision.

The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is located on Merritt Island Florida, and shares much of it's area with the Kennedy Space Center. In 1962 NASA acquired 140,000 acres adjacent to Cape Canaveral to establish the space launch facility, but since development was unnecessary on most of the land, an agreement was signed to establish the refuge in 1963. Much of the area is off-limits to the public, leaving a large area of relatively undisturbed wildlife habitat.

I have been photographing the things I see for over thirty years. A resident of San Luis Obispo County, I'm lucky to have many excellent photo destinations within a few minutes' or hours' drive. Beyond the local area, I have traveled throughout California and the western United States, visited far away American destinations such as Chicago, New York, Florida, and Alaska, and international destinations in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. My photography varies from Architecture to Industrial Art to Nature to Wildlife and I'm sure you'll find something suitable for your home or office. Visit my blog