This area of the swamp was an open sunny expanse, allowing water lettuce to completely cover the surface. Mom gator hauled out on a narrow peninsula bringing some of the lettuce with her. She has one plant tucked behind her ear. Can't say it makes her more attractive. If you look closely up on the bank, along the left side of the right-hand cypress knee, you may be able to spot the yellow & black striping of a baby gator with a sibling making a 90 degree angle at his head. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.