On the bank of the swamp lies a nest made of mud and sticks.  Inside of the nest there are six eggs.  On top of the nest Mama Alligator keeps them warm and safe.  

On a warm fall morning the eggs begin to shake.  From inside the egg comes a loud chirping noise.  Mama Alligator noticed this sound and when she looks back she sees an adorable little baby hatchling!

Mama Alligator scoops the baby boy hatchling up with her tail and carries him down to the water with him on her back.  There he learns how to swim and stay near his mother so he won't become a bigger gator's lunch! 

The baby alligator becomes hungry.  He learns quickly that small fish, insects, worms and snails become his very favorite snacks!

As the days pass the baby alligator becomes more and more hungry.  He starts to grow - and grow - and grow some more!  He grows up to 12 inches a year.