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A small alligator peeks through the trees in a swamp in Louisiana .
Tourists set off on a New Orleans swamp tour .

SWAMPLAND IN NEW ORLEANS

Shrouded in mystery with legends of treasure-hungry pirates and vengeful voodoo priestesses , New Orleans ’ majestic bayous are a classic example of Crescent City charm . Fashioned from a dense collection of bald cypress trees , thick tufts of Spanish moss blanket the swampland canopy from above while colorful algae dance upon the water ’ s surface below . The air is alive with the calls of backwater creatures , a symphony of sounds , completely unique to this tiny pocket of the universe .
Home to some of the earth ’ s wildest nature , NOLA ’ s watery tendrils are a hot spot for observing everything from reptiles and snakes to mammals and birds . However , the biggest draw for many explorers is the chance to come face to face with the American Alligator , of which nearly two million inhabit the area ’ s murky waters .
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