amnhnyc:

Once an endangered species, the American alligator– like this one in the Ocala National Forest– now lives in freshwater swamps, marshes, and rivers across much of the southern United States, from North Carolina to Texas. While submerged underwater, the alligator’s ear and nostril flaps close and they activate a specialized third eyelid, known as a nictitating membrane, to safeguard their eyes.  With 74 to 80 conical teeth at the ready, the reptiles are able to take on any aquatic prey that comes their way.  Younger alligators generally start by feeding on shrimp and insects, but move on to snakes, frogs, fish, and mammals as they mature.

Learn more in the Museum’s Hall of Reptiles and Amphibians: https://goo.gl/VTybMX

Photo: Phil’s 1stPix (http://bit.ly/2eLvD1E)

Oh man I haven’t been seized by Intense Megamind Feelings in a while but a friend of mine showed me a song and suddenly Roxanne was there kicking and screaming in my head. Highly rec A Better Son/Daughter by Rilo Kiley. Oh man.

((link to A Better Son/Daughter))

ohhh wow that song is intense, and I really see why it made you think of Roxanne–the bad relationship with her mother, and the way Roxanne feels guilty about it, and the underlying sadness and heartbreak covered up with determination and anger and defiance.