In a shallow pond, an enormous alligator is waiting, its nostrils breaking the surface of the dark waters. Suddenly, a duck lands on the pond. The alligator's huge, gaping jaws emerge from the water and snap shut! The duck quickly flaps its wings and escapes. The alligator sinks below the water again. The swamp is home to lots of other prey, and the stealthy alligator will soon catch a tasty meal. Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of its primary-grade audience, this colorful, fact-filled book gives readers a chance not only to learn all about American alligators and their swamp habitat, but also to develop powers of observation and critical thinking. Built-in activities, such as using a measuring tape to see how long alligators grow and guessing how a mother alligator takes care of her young, give readers a chance to gain insights beyond the facts and figures.