Nature sculpts an alligator

With all the ice, snow and cold weather we have endured this winter, I couldn't resist showing one more picture championing icicles.

I was not expecting to come upon an alligator on this cold day while searching the edge of an area lake, but that is what it appeared I had found. Wood for a body and icicles for menacing teeth. Mother Nature had become an artistic sculptor.

Even on a dreary freezing winter day nature can provide interesting surprises for those who are able to venture out. Alligators do not live in Southeast Missouri because our winters are too cold for their survival.

Through the Woods is a weekly nature column by Aaron Horrell. Find this column at semissourian.com to order a reprint of the photo. Find more of Horrell's work at the Painted Wren Gallery in downtown Cape Girardeau.