The 800 lb alligator of the Mississippi is a creature of legend. It's said to be a massive reptile that roams the waters of the Mississippi River.
Reaching lengths of up to 15 feet, this behemoth of the bayou is a force to be reckoned with. Its sheer size is a testament to the incredible biodiversity of the Mississippi ecosystem.
The Mississippi Monster, as it's come to be known, is a creature that sparks both fascination and fear in those who hear its tales. Its existence has been debated for years, with some claiming to have seen it in person.
Record Breaking Alligator
The record-breaking alligator caught in Mississippi weighed a staggering 802.5 pounds.
The massive reptile measured 14 feet and 3 inches long, making it the longest alligator ever captured in the state.
It took four seasoned hunters, including Don Woods and Tanner White, seven "mentally exhausting" hours to haul the toothy behemoth onto their boat.
The alligator's belly girth was an impressive 66 inches, and its tail girth was 46.5 inches.
The hunters spotted the gargantuan reptile in the Yazoo River around 9 p.m. on a Saturday, and it was later taken to Red Antler Processing in Yazoo City.
The alligator was donated to the state of Mississippi, with 380 pounds of meat being prepared for food shelters.
The previous record for the largest alligator caught in Mississippi belonged to a 14-foot, 0.75-inch specimen weighing 766.5 pounds, which was harvested in 2017.
The hunters were amazed by the alligator's size, with one of them saying it was "surreal" to see the massive creature up close.
The alligator's massive size was a testament to the fact that male alligators can grow faster and larger than females, but they rarely exceed 13 feet in length.
The hunters were thrilled to have caught such a massive alligator, and they were happy to donate the meat to those in need.
The record-breaking alligator was officially declared the "new state record for the longest alligator" by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.
The alligator's impressive size and weight made it a truly remarkable catch, one that will be remembered for years to come.
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The Monster Caught
Four hunters, Tanner White, Don Woods, Will Thomas, and Joey Clark, caught the monster alligator in the Yazoo River, part of the West Central Alligator Hunting Zone.
The group took seven hours to capture the reptile, and it was a battle they won't soon forget.
The alligator measured 14 feet and 3 inches long, with a belly girth of 66 inches and tail girth of 46.5 inches.
The hunters were amazed by the gator's size and strength, and it took them several attempts to finally subdue it.
The previous record for the longest male alligator harvested from public waters in Mississippi was set in 2017, measuring 14 feet and three-quarters of an inch and weighing 766.5 pounds.
The hunters knew they had a big catch on their hands, but they didn't realize just how big until they got a good look at the head.
The alligator's massive size and strength made it a real challenge for the hunters, but they eventually emerged victorious.
The group donated the alligator meat, amounting to 380 pounds, to the state of Mississippi, which will be sent to food shelters.
The alligator will also yield a significant amount of leather, given its massive stature.
The catch was officially declared the new state record for the longest alligator by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.
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