Sound on for the dulcet tones of the American alligator. Alligators are territorial, so they need to let other alligators know they are not to be messed with. When they bellow, they're sharing more information than just their irritation. They're letting potential rivals or mates know how big and bad they are. Video: an alligator arches its head and tail out of the water while making a loud deep rumble underwater. By Laura Bonneau/USFWS at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. | U.S. Fish and Wildlif

Alligator bellowing is one of our favorite sounds! 🔈 Male alligators actually make a subaudible sound beforehand that causes the water to bounce on his back, called the "water dance", which you can clearly see in this video. Bellowing gives information about an alligator's location as well as size. This is helpful for females to find suitable males, usually selecting males that are larger than them. #napleszoo #alligator | Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

Have you ever seen or heard an American alligator bellowing? This sound is an alligator's way of establishing its territory or letting other alligators know that it is ready to mate. Both males and females do this during the breeding season. Hearing the sound can be unforgettable, as was the case for some of this morning's Early Birding Tour participants. Seeing the "water dance" on their backs is pretty cool. Video: Molly Niekamp/Audubon Florida | Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Alligator 7-11 is bellowing loud and proud today! 🐊 📢 Alligators bellow for a variety of reasons - declaring territory, finding mates, socializing, and when they are feeling good and happy. 📹: Animal Care Staffer Grace | Audubon Zoo

🐊 🐊 Wildlife officials are urging everyone to be careful and pay close attention when spending time around fresh or brackish water as alligator mating season is underway in Florida. Gordon Silver caught these two splashing around in Lakewood Ranch today! 8.wfla.com/2PA7Eow | WFLA News Channel 8