Alligator hunters in Mississippi successfully killed an enormous alligator that shattered the previous state size record, generating significant attention as “nightmare material” on social media.
Hunters from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks tracked down the massive reptile, which measured over 14 feet in length and weighed an astonishing 802.5 pounds.
The capture of this gigantic alligator was part of a campaign to manage the alligator population in Mississippi, with designated hunting periods during which individuals are authorized to hunt these creatures.
According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, the record-breaking reptile, discovered by the gator hunters, had a belly girth of 66 inches and a tail thickness of 46.5 inches, contributing to its overall length of 66 inches.
This length surpasses the previous record of 14 feet and 766.5 pounds, achieved by an alligator captured in 2017. A Facebook post detailing the creature’s capture elicited widespread disbelief and awe.
However, comments from observers included descriptions such as “Nightmare material” and “Good grief that’s a monster.”
One individual marveled, “Congratulations, that’s a real dinosaur! Must have been an amazing experience.”
Another commenter exclaimed, “OMG… what a monster! You really do grow them big in Mississippi! Congratulations on your remarkable catch.”
arduous task
Meanwhile, the arduous task of reeling in the gator fell to hunters Tanner White, Don Woods, Will Thomas, and Joey Clark. It took them seven mentally taxing hours to finally eliminate the “monster.”
Reflecting on the experience, Don shared, “We hooked him eight or nine times and he kept breaking off. He would go down, sit and then take off. Additionally, he kept going under logs. He knew what he was doing. The crazy thing is he stuck in that same spot.”
The hunters successfully captured the massive alligator on August 26th, the second day of Mississippi’s public alligator hunting season, which extends until September 4.
Since 2005, the state has been regulating alligator hunting to conserve and manage the alligator population, allowing them to breed, nest, and rear their young during the summer months.
To participate in alligator hunting during the designated season, individuals are required to obtain one of the 920 special permits issued by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks each season. These conservation efforts have led to a stable alligator population, enabling controlled and regulated hunting activities.
