ALLIGATORS

A protective mother alligator watches over her young as they learn to hunt and fend for themselves. At just 8 inches long, they’re defenseless and could be an easy meal for a passing bird or hungry male alligator.

Every parent wants to ensure their offspring are safe, but certain birds have taken this desire for safety to a whole new level. Read on to see how some birds have taken to literally living with predators as a way to protect their young.

It was a team effort by Phoenix's Core Institute and Midwestern University professor Justin Georgi to design a replacement rubber tail for Mr. Stubbs, an alligator whose appendage was bitten off by a larger gator.

Alligators were once the undisputed reptile kings of the Everglades. But who would win a battle now -- alligator or python? It all depends on which one is bigger. "Invasion of the Giant Pythons" premieres Sunday, February 21, 2010 on PBS.