A dragon among us -- First encounters -- Alligator adaptations -- Where they live -- Sun bathers -- An alligator's appetite -- Meet the relatives -- Love is in the water -- Small beginnings -- Long chances and long life -- Alligator societies -- Living with alligators -- From slaughter to salvation -- Alligators at sunset -- Appendix A. species names mentioned in the text -- Appendix B. places to see wild alligators