When I was in New Orleans the weekend before last we got out of the city one day and headed down to the Bayou for a swamp tour.  The whole experience far exceeded my expectations.  Our guide began spending time in the swamp when he was eight years old and was a true alligator hunter/preservationist.  He played with the alligators like they were dogs, luring them over with food (marshmallows!) and kissing them on the head.  He even surprised us toward the end of the tour by pulling a baby alligator out of a cooler that was on the boat and letting everyone have a chance at holding it.  If you’re ever in the area, I’d highly recommend seeing it for yourself!