Breeding begins as alligators emerge from hibernation in April. The female will build a nest of leaves and vegetation up to 6 feet across and several feet high. She lays and buries her eggs in the center of this mound, allowing the warmth of the pile to incubate the eggs. Females typically lay over 50 eggs and each egg is about 3 inches long. The eggs incubate for about 9 weeks, and the female will watch and defend the nest during this time. As the young hatch, they "peep" and the female will assist them by digging them out of the nest. Newborn alligators are about 9 inches long and will stay near the female for up to a year. The female will continue to protect the young during this period.