What is the Largest Alligator on Record: Facts and History

The animal kingdom is full of fascinating creatures. One such critter is the alligator. This reptile is famous for its prehistoric appearance and powerful build. It’s also amazing that some alligators grow to staggering sizes. Some of these large beasts have even left a mark in history.

How big do alligators get? It will depend on factors like age, habitat, and diet. A male American alligator reaches an average size of 10 to 15 feet. Its female counterpart averages 8 to 10 feet. The Chinese alligator is smaller. It has an average size of 5 to 7 feet.

So what is the largest alligator on record? This post explores the facts and history of the world’s biggest alligator.

The Alligator That Broke All Records

The largest alligator ever recorded is a subject of great interest. It’s a distinction held by the Stokes alligator.

The Stokes alligator was a massive American gator. It measured 15 feet 9 inches or 4.8 meters long. It weighed an astounding 1,011.5 pounds or 458.8 kg.

A group of gator hunters led by Mandy Stokes caught this record-breaking reptile. They captured it in Mill Creek, Alabama in August 2014. The group stumbled on this giant during the state’s regulated hunting season. It took Stokes’ team several hours to subdue the gator and bring it to shore. The alligator put up quite the resistance due to its immense strength.

The sheer size of the Stokes alligator stunned wildlife experts. It was larger than other recorded specimens. 

Measuring Up

How did Stokes and her team measure their catch? They did this after they brought the alligator to shore. The reptile was then measured under strict guidelines. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources set these rules.

The ADCNR recorded the alligator’s official length and weight using specialized scales. They also used special measuring equipment to ensure accuracy. The group took careful measurements to ensure they documented its true size. They also had to move fast as alligators shrink after death due to dehydration.  

Making a Mark in History

It’s natural to have such an amazing find mounted and displayed. People who want to see the Stokes alligator can find it displayed at Alabama’s Montgomery Zoo. Its preserved body is one of the exhibits displayed at the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum.

Taxidermists cleaned the alligator’s skull to place in a separate display. The meat underwent processing. Stokes and her team shared it amongst themselves. What about the alligator’s hide? They tanned and used it for leather products. The Stokes’ family had several keepsakes made from it.

Growing to the Greatest Size

Did you know that alligators do not stop growing as long as they live? That’s one thing that makes gators unique. Their growth rate slows down as they get older though. Several factors also impact their size.

• Age: Older alligators tend to be larger. A full-grown male alligator can live for 35 to 50 years. Some alligators in captivity reach even older ages. 
• Diet:  Alligators with access to abundant food sources will grow bigger. Those in areas with scarce resources are average in size.  Consider the Stokes gator. The taxidermist found a doe, two squirrels, and a calf in its stomach.
• Habitat: Gators that live in swamps and lakes with fewer predators tend to grow larger. They also thrive in areas with less human interference
• Genetics: Scientists say alligators are predisposed to growing bigger than others. It’s akin to how some people are taller than others. 

Before You Go

The Stokes alligator holds the distinction of being the largest alligator ever recorded. It clocked in at 15 feet 9 inches. It remains one of the most awe-inspiring reptiles in modern history. There are many reports of alligators even bigger than the Stokes gator. But they’re not verified. The Stokes gator’s size is a reminder of the biodiversity of America’s wetlands.

Experience the Thrill of Seeing Giants

Ready to feed your adventurous spirit? Then it’s time to join a Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures tour. We’re Florida’s best airboat tour operators. We’ll take you deep into the heart of the wetlands. You can come face-to-face with massive alligators in their natural habitat! There’s a different rush when gliding across the water on an airboat. It’s even more memorable when you spot some creatures lurking beneath the surface. What are you waiting for? Book a tour here or call 352-643-0708.