David Champlin of Decatur isn’t sure whether he’s previously spotted the alligator he captured on film this past weekend, but it was a picture-perfect moment with the reclusive reptile.

Champlin, who owns Decatur’s Brick Deli & Tavern, shared the pictures on social media, which he said were shot during a kayaking trip on Limestone Creek near Mooresville. He estimates the alligator was between 10 to 12 feet long.

“I’ve got lots of pictures of alligators, but they’re always in the water,” he said. “We’ve seen them on the land, but I’ve never gotten that kind of picture before.”

According to Outdoor Alabama, the American alligator is the only species of alligator in Alabama, and its population is typically larger in the southern half of the state, in wetlands and natural lakes. But sightings in the northern half of Alabama are increasing, and may indicate a northern expansion, the site says.

Champlin said he has seen an alligator on that particular bank before, sitting about a foot over the water. He would like to return in hopes of shooting video of the alligator jumping in.

“It usually makes a huge splash,” he said.

Champlin said he’s gotten close enough to alligators that they move his kayak as they swim away from shore. He says the animals are usually shy.

Outdoor Alabama says alligators are “naturally shy” of humans, but can become aggressive if provoked or fed.

“I wouldn’t suggest a lot of people getting into the water,” Champlin said.