You guys are cracking me up!
Alligators act far differently when submerged than when they are on the surface. They may forage while submerged- for small fish, turtles, and such; But, an alligator meeting up with an animal as big as you underwater would most likely flee in a microsecond. You might get a face full of tail, but not likely to be bitten. Of course, there are always exceptions when dealing with wild animals, so safe is always better.
THIS TIME OF YEAR, especially, alligators get really turned on by bubbles coming up from under them. Courting alligators blow bubbles under eachother. To them, it's erotic. I used to use a PVC pipe to blow bubbles under my 5-foot caiman's chin this time of year just so she wouldn't feel so lonely!
Nice pix, Ber! I wish I could have been there; I would have been the one sneaking
past the Ranger to watch a couple of my favorite "critters" being themselves.
No worries.
By the way, 427Dave, I think I've met your new dive buddy, Mr. Al E. Gator: