Alligators are cold-blooded animals, which means their body temperature depends on the outside temperature. When it gets cold, alligators need to find a warm place to help them warm up. They often look for spots like sandy areas or rocks that have been heated by the sun.
When the sun shines, it warms up the sand and rocks. These surfaces absorb the sun’s heat and store it, becoming warmer than the surrounding air. When an alligator lies on the warm sand or rock, it can soak up the heat from these surfaces. This process helps them raise their body temperature, making them feel more comfortable and ready to move around. So, the warm sand and rocks act like a cozy blanket, giving the alligator the heat it needs to stay active!