When it hatches, a baby alligator is only about 9 inches long, but it may reach an adult size of 12 feet or more! 

Notice the yellow stripes on the alligator in the picture. Young gators have disruptive coloration that breaks up the outlines of their bodies and helps keep them hidden from predators.

This alligator also has its mouth open, a way to cool himself down during the warm summer.