When people think of alligators, a prehistoric-looking creature often comes to mind. They also imagine something massive lurking around in the murky waters of the swamp.
It’s not surprising that people envision something that looks like a dinosaur. Alligators belong to a group of reptiles that existed at the same time as the dinosaurs. The group even has a common ancestor with dinosaurs.
The alligator’s physical appearance is reminiscent of a dinosaur as well. Their scaly skin and powerful jaws conjure images of prehistoric reptiles. Their length and size reinforce these gator facts as well. The biggest alligator in the world does look like a baby or juvenile dinosaur.
What is the Biggest Alligator in the World?
There’s some debate on what’s considered the biggest alligator in the world. The Stokes Alligator is the clear winner. Master measurers verified and recorded its size.
The Stokes alligator was so named after Mandy Stokes. She and her team caught the alligator in August 2014 in Mill Creek, Alabama. It was the first time Mandy participated in Alabama’s hunting season.
Here are more Stokes alligator facts. This record-breaking gator was colossal. It came in at 15 feet 9 inches (4.8 meters) in length. It weighed around 1,011.5 pounds (459 kg). Experts estimated the alligator was between 24 to 28 years old at the time of its capture.
The Stokes gator was later mounted. It was also displayed at the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum.
What Do Giant Alligators Eat?
The Stokes Alligator and its other large counterparts are fascinating. Their size has captivated the imagination of many people. Most wonder what these animals eat to grow that big. Here are interesting facts about alligators and their diet.
Alligators are carnivorous. They have a broad diet that changes as they grow. The Stokes gator was no exception. It required a large amount of food to sustain itself. A typical alligator diet is often comprised of the following:
- Fish: This makes up a large part of an alligator’s diet. Adult alligators use their powerful jaws and sharp teeth to catch fish swimming by. These creatures can remain still as they wait for the perfect moment to strike.
- Birds: Florida’s feathered friends and also on the menu. Wading birds and waterfowl are favorites. Alligators can catch unsuspecting birds that come close to the water’s edge.
- Mammals: Large predators like the alligator need a lot of protein. It’s why they prey on various mammals, like deer. They also eat wild boars and raccoons. Here are more fun facts about alligators. They are opportunistic feeders. These animals use their stealth and strength to ambush larger prey. They grab the animals and then drag them into the water. They will then drown their prey before consuming them.
- Reptiles and Amphibians: Turtles, snakes, and frogs are also fair game to gators. They also eat smaller alligators. These reptiles’ cannibalistic tendencies are all known facts about alligators. They often do this when the food is scarce.
- Invertebrates: Alligators cannot afford to be picky with their food. They need to consume a lot to maintain their size and strength. It’s why crustaceans like crayfish are sometimes part of their diet. They’re also known to eat insects when other prey is not abundant.
How Do They Hunt?
Alligators use a combination of stealth, patience, and brute force to catch their prey. These animals also have the advantage of having dark coloration. It helps them blend into the murky waters. Their olive or grayish color makes them almost invisible. The American gator also has sensory organs in its jaws. These detect vibrations in the water that lets them pinpoint their prey’s location.
The biggest alligator in the world exemplified everything remarkable about this predator. It proved how effective alligators’ hunting skills are. Their diverse diet also emphasized how important every animal is to the ecosystem.
Opening Your Eyes to Florida’s Wonders
There’s more to Florida than amusement parks. The Sunshine State is also famous for its swamps and the magnificent animals that live there. Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures can show you this hidden world of wonders. We’re the premier airboat ride operator in the State. Our company offers unforgettable tours of Florida’s wetlands. We’ll show you its unique flora and fauna. You’ll see alligators, snakes, and turtles up close. So give us a call at 352-643-0708 and let’s organize a fun trip. You can also book a tour online.
