Texas is home to some of the most incredible reptiles in the world, including massive alligators that roam the state’s swamps, lakes, and rivers. With the right conditions, these ancient creatures can grow to enormous sizes and live for decades. Let’s take a look at the five largest alligators ever recorded in Texas.
A Quick Look at Alligators
Alligators belong to the Crocodilia order, which includes crocodiles, caimans, and gharials. These powerful carnivores have between 74 and 80 teeth, thick scaly skin, and strong jaws and tails. In Texas, 400,000 to 500,000 alligators live across 120 of the state’s 254 counties, mostly in freshwater habitats like rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes.
The average adult male alligator in Texas is about 11 feet long and weighs around 500 pounds, but some exceptional gators have far surpassed these averages.
The 5 Largest Alligators Ever Found in Texas
1. Unofficial Record Holder – 14 Feet 4 Inches, 900 Pounds (1998)
In 1998, hunters near Liberty, Texas, found a gigantic alligator in the Trinity River. Estimated at 14 feet 4 inches and 900 pounds, this massive gator was never officially measured, but its sheer size stunned witnesses.
2. Official Record Holder – 14 Feet 3 Inches, 800 Pounds (2013)
In 2013, young hunter Braxton Bielski made history by capturing the largest officially recorded alligator in Texas. This massive gator, caught in Choke Canyon Reservoir, measured 14 feet 3 inches and weighed around 800 pounds.
3. Second Place – 14 Feet 2.5 Inches, 781 Pounds (2014)
In 2014, hunters in the James E. Daughtrey Wildlife Management Area caught a 14-foot 2.5-inch gator weighing 781 pounds. It came close to breaking the state record, proving that Texas waters are home to giant alligators.
4. Captured Alive – 13 Feet 8 Inches, 900 Pounds (2016)
In 2016, Gary Saurage, the owner of Gator Country, safely relocated a huge alligator named Big Tex. This massive gator, found in the Champion Lake Public Use Area, measured 13 feet 8 inches and weighed 900 pounds.
5. Heaviest on Record – 13 Feet 4 Inches, Over 1,000 Pounds (1986)
The heaviest alligator ever recorded in Texas was discovered in 1986 along the Brazos River. This 13-foot-4-inch monster weighed over 1,000 pounds, highlighting the incredible biodiversity of Texas wildlife.
Final Thoughts
Alligators have survived for millions of years, proving their resilience as one of nature’s greatest predators. Texas is home to a diverse alligator population, and these record-breaking gators remind us of the importance of conservation efforts to protect these amazing creatures.
For more incredible wildlife facts and updates, check this out and explore the fascinating world of Texas nature!
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The Five Largest Alligators Ever Found in Texas.
