Nesting Ecology Of Alligators On The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Nesting ecology of the American alligator (Alligator mississipiensis) was investi. gated on the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge between 1972 and 1976. Nesting occurre~ during late June and early July. Egg counts were taken in 55 nests. Average clutch Size was 30 eggs ± 12-44. Of 110 nests studied, 90 percent were destroyed before hatching. Predation accounted for 96 percent of the nest loss with black bear (Ursus americanus) being the major nest predator. Hatching success of eggs in successful nests was estimated to be 70 percent.