Where, Oh Where is Miss Gator?

A daytime trip out to Gulf Islands National Seashore to see the famous resident alligator - Miss Gator, to us - did not produce a view of her. Miss Gator became a mom a few months ago, we understand, and was content to stay in "her" pond. For the last several weeks, everytime we go, she is a no-show!

In years past, we have noted that she is missing for long periods of time in late fall and into winter. Where she slips off to hide, we do not know. Now, we wonder, did she take her young ones with her, or did they face a dreadful fate after being spotted by a hungry heron?