Photo and caption by Jaclyn Briggs

Being from Northern MN where my biggest fear on a hike is getting sprayed by a skunk, I was quite astonished when I came across this alligator while hiking in LA. After photographing this creature for quite awhile it opened its mouth up wide, exposing all its sharp teeth. Somehow my love for capturing specific moments trumped my innate reaction to run and I was able to snag this photo.

Location: Sabine Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana