Alligator Regulate their Body Temperature by their Environment. The Sun for Heat, Water for Cooling.

Alligators are ectothermic, commonly called "cold-blooded," meaning they rely on external heat sources like the sun to control their body temperature.
In the Summer South Carolina Low Country’s heat is extreme even for Alligators.
They regulate their body temperature with their environment. Alligators are known for digging burrows or "gator holes" in the mud, which retain water during droughts and provide a critical refuge for them and other wildlife during extreme temperatures.
A Day in the Life of the Honesty Lane, Sun City Resident Alligator after a cool night. It has that lucky old sun with nothing to do but roll around heaven all day.
Mother Protects up to 60 + hatchlings.
After alligator hatchlings emerge in late August, early September in South Carolina., they're tiny (9-10 inches) and stay near mom for protection. They need to be protected, for up to a year.
Only a tiny fraction of alligator hatchlings survives to adulthood, with estimates ranging from 1% to 10% reaching maturity, as they face threats from predators like raccoons, birds, fish, and other gators
The arrival of November the Alligators seeks the warmth of the sun.
Tuesday's night temperatures were in the low 40's.
Wednesday Night the temperature dropped to 39. Very unusual for the South Carolina Low Country. Sunshine on Thursday helped the Alligators restore their body temperature to comfortable levels.
Friday's Morning temperature is 55 degrees.
A Sunny day can change quickly and alter a Alligator's plans.
Rain can make it harder for alligators to regulate their temperature because they rely on the sun to warm up and shade and water to cool down, but they adapt by staying in water or finding shelter, and often stay active during warm rains, only slowing down in cold weather or freezing conditions.
The ideal body temperature range for an alligator in South Carolina is between 82°F and 92°F. Within this range, alligators are most active and their metabolism is efficient for activities like hunting and digesting food.