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Discover The Largest Alligator Ever Found ‘Big Tex’

Alligator
Alligator, laying on grass. Image via. Michael Seeley from Melbourne, FL, United States, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Let’s discover the largest alligator ever found. I hope you are ready for this as this was even for me very impressive to learn. I can’t help but ponder the incredible scale of these magnificent creatures and the untold stories hidden within the depths of their ancient habitats. The sheer size of these alligators truly stirs my imagination, inspiring me to weave their powerful presence into a gripping narrative that could captivate readers and remind them of the awe-inspiring wonders of the natural world.

This article will explore some of the largest alligators ever recorded, including the Black Godwin and Lee Lightsey Alligator, the Robert Ammerman Alligator, and the Tome Grant Alligator.

The Average Alligator

Alligator
Large American alligator, on grass. Image via cuatrok77, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The average alligator is a giant reptile that can grow up to 10-15 feet long and weigh up to 1000 pounds. They have thick, scaly skin and long, powerful tails. Alligators have a broad U-shaped snout and sharp teeth. Their eyes and nostrils are on the top of their head so they can breathe and see while the rest of their body is in water. Alligators are apex predators and eat various animals, such as fish, turtles, birds, and small mammals. Lastly, they can live up to 50 years in the wild.

The Largest Alligators Ever Recorded: The Complete List

Alligator
Alligators, have a lot more stamina in water. Image via Benutzer:Keeepa, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Learn about the fascinating facts about these creatures and the stories behind their discoveries. We will also discuss the alligator skull found in Florida in 2020, which is believed to have belonged to an alligator that was even larger than Big Tex, measuring an estimated 13 feet long.

Get ready to be amazed by these incredible creatures as we dive into the world of the largest alligators ever found!

The Black Godwin and Lee Lightsey Alligator 

Alligator
Alligator wants to swim. Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Black Godwin and Lee Lightsey Alligator are a scarce and endangered species of alligator found in Florida. It originated in the swamps of the state’s Panhandle region, with an estimated population of less than 20. This species is named for two conservationists, Godwin and Lee Lightsey, who have worked tirelessly to preserve and protect the species in its native habitat. Moreover, this species is primarily black and can get up to 13 feet long. Lastly, the Black Godwin and Lee Lightsey Alligator are protected under the Endangered Species Act and is listed as a critically endangered species by the IUCN.

In 2016 these two conservationists discovered an alligator with an incredible length of 15 feet and a weight of 800 pounds. 

The Robert Ammerman Alligator

Alligator
Alligator, open their mouth to avoid overheating. Image by Michael Seeley, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Robert Ammerman Alligator exists in the wetlands of Florida and the southeastern United States. It is named after Robert Ammerman, an American herpetologist and conservationist who worked to protect these animals from overhunting and habitat destruction. The Robert Ammerman Alligator is a small, medium-sized alligator, usually reaching 3 to 5 feet long. It exists in shallow, freshwater habitats, such as swamps and marshes. Moreover, It feeds mainly on fish, frogs, and other small aquatic creatures. The Robert Ammerman Alligator is endangered and protected under the Endangered Species Act.

In December 2017, Ammweman discovered an alligator that was incredibly 14 feet and 3.5 inches long and weighed 654 pounds. 

This alligator was so giant that it was impossible to load it onto the boat, and thus had to tow it to shore. 

The Tome Grant Alligator 

Alligator relaxing
Alligator spotted relaxing on a rock. Bettina Arrigoni, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Tome Grant Alligator is a species of alligator existing primarily in the Suwannee and St. Johns River systems of Florida. It is named after the late Dr. Thomas E. Grant, an American herpetologist who studied the species for many years. The Tome Grant Alligator is a medium-sized species, reaching lengths of up to 13 feet and weighing up to 500 lbs. Additionally, this is a carnivorous species, preying on various fish, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. The species on the list of Least Concerns by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to its extensive range and stable population.

In 2012 Grant and his team went on an exploration mission in the Mississippi, where they found this giant alligator. This alligator was 13 feet and 2.5 inches long and weighed 697.5 pounds. 

Big Tex 

Alligator
Alligator consuming a water turtle. Whoisjohngalt, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Big Tex alligator is a popular tourist attraction in the San Marcos River near San Marcos, Texas. The alligator is approximately 12 feet long and weighs over 500 pounds.

The Big Tex alligator is the largest known alligator in the San Marcos River. He has become a popular tourist attraction due to his size and is often sunning himself on the banks of the river. Moreover, he has become a river symbol and featured in various media, including television, magazines, and online videos.

The Alligator Skull 

alligator skull
James St. John, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

As you can guess by the name, it was just the skull of an alligator. However, reports say it would be the skull of one of the largest alligators on record. The alligator skull found in Florida in 2020 is a medium-sized skull measuring 8″ in length. It has a broad, flat surface with a large, rounded snout and a long row of sharp, interlocking teeth. The top of the skull has bumps and ridges that help the animal to grip its prey. The head is dark brown. It is a unique specimen as it is well-preserved and is likely hundreds of years old. The skull is most probably from a 13 feet alligator. 

Conclusion on the Largest Alligators Ever Found

Alligator
Alligator, spotted on road side. Image via paulsmithrj, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Each tale of these awe-inspiring creatures is like opening a new chapter in a book you simply can’t put down. Each discovery, a new page in the captivating saga of nature’s true titans. In this realm of living dinosaurs, the story is far from over, and the next chapter promises to be even more enthralling.

If you found this article interesting, you might also enjoy the following; Alligator vs Crocodile or our other Reptiles Articles.

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