Alligators are part of a big, scary, awesome group of ancient animals. Of the two living alligator species, the American alligator is the largest. It’s certainly the largest reptile native to Alabama.
These crocodilians are native to southern U.S. states, including Alabama. Most American alligators max out at around 15 feet long and 1,000 pounds. Yet, there have been a few record-breaking alligators — most of the biggest were in Florida. The largest unofficially measured alligator was 19.2 feet long. However, many scientists doubt its accuracy because of the method and lack of supporting measurements. If accurate, that giant alligator may have weighed 2,000 pounds.
Yet, these massive apex predators only want to be left alone.
Where American Alligators Live in Alabama
Most of Alabama’s alligators are in the southern and southeastern areas. But, during the 1960s, American alligator populations were in danger. Wildlife experts relocated several dozen to the Huntsville area in northern Alabama to protect the species. Since then, they have become established and currently thrive in the region.
Managed Alligator Hunts
As alligator populations recovered, states began to allow hunting on a limited basis. Alabama issues hunting tags annually to would-be ‘gator hunters, the same way they issue deer tags. Each approved hunter can take one alligator in a hunting season if they catch one.
Most official records on Alabama’s largest alligators come out of these managed hunts that began in 2006. We know there are likely many more out there that either were or are bigger than those listed here, but this is the best information we could track down to share with you.
#5 Patrick Stabler — 12 feet, 7 inches
These big reptiles must bask periodically to keep their body temperature stable.
©Trish Hartmann from Tampa, Florida, USA, / CC BY 2.0 - License
An avid hunter, Patrick Stabler bagged a big one on the first night of 2017’s alligator hunting season. His prize catch was over 12 feet long and weighed 608 pounds — easily one of the largest alligators caught in Alabama.
#4 Matt Burnett — 12 Feet, 9 Inches
Although typically solitary, juvenile alligators may hang out together.
©Chris Drahos/iStock via Getty Images
In 2022, Matt Burnett was one of about 260 hunters Alabama chose by lottery. It wasn’t his first alligator hunt, but it was his biggest: this Alabama alligator measured over 12 feet long and weighed 602 pounds.
Alabama and a few other states allow regulated hunting because of the alligator’s successful recovery. State officials take a census of several state regions and estimate how many alligators are living there. Then, based on the census results, they decide how many hunters receive a tag.
#3 Scott Evans — 13 Feet, 9 Inches
While you wouldn’t want your pets wandering nearby, alligators love this type of habitat.
©Chad Robertson Media/Shutterstock.com
2015 was a special year for Scott Evans and his friends Jeff and Justin Gregg. When the friends harvested a massive 13-foot-long alligator, they knew it was big. Later, the scale and measuring tape proved it!
Each hunter that catches an alligator must take it to a station for weighing and measuring. the state collects this information and tracks when, where, and how big the alligators are growing. This 13 feet, 9 inches long, and 920-pound alligator may be the third largest ever caught in Alabama.
#2 Keith Fancher’s Alligator — 14 Feet, 2 Inches
These apex predators can live over 50 years and most average 11-15 feet long.
©J.A. Dunbar/Shutterstock.com
In 2011, Keith Fancher and six friends and family members went on an alligator hunt. The alligator tag was in his name, and it was his first ever. Whether it was beginner’s luck or something else, Fancher bagged a big one.
His record-breaking ‘gator measured 14 feet, 2 inches long, and weighed 838 pounds. During Alabama alligator hunting season, all hunts must be at night. Once the sun comes up, all hunting stops. So, some people go all season living at night, while they try to catch an alligator.
#1 Mandy Stokes Alligator — 15 Feet, 9 Inches
Although one unconfirmed Louisiana alligator record is over 19 feet, Mandy Stokes’ giant alligator is confirmed.
©Danita Delimont/Shutterstock.com
In another bit of massive beginner’s luck Mandy Stokes and her family went looking for a ‘gator in Alabama. When they finally dispatched the animal, they secured it to the side of their 17-foot boat.
Stokes and her family took it to the Roland Cooper State Park check station and tried to weigh the alligator. The result was shocking. First, according to the Safari Club, their alligator measured 15 feet, 9 inches long — a new state record. During the initial weighing, it broke part of the scale. After they repaired it, officials tried again and discovered it was 1,011.5 pounds.
As giant alligators go, Mandy Stokes’ record-breaking Alabama beast is astounding.
| Year Caught, Hunter Name | Alligator Size |
|---|---|
| #1: 2014 — Mandy Stokes | Length: 15 feet, 9 inches Weight: 1011.5 pounds |
| #2: 2011 — Keith Fancher | Length: 14 feet, 2 inches Weight: 838 pounds |
| #3: 2015 — Scott Evans | Length: 13 feet, 9 inches Weight: 920 pounds |
| #4: 2022 — Matt Burnett | Length: 12 feet, 9 inches Weight: 602 pounds |
| #5: 2017 — Patrick Stabler | 12 feet, 7 inches 608 pounds |
The photo featured at the top of this post is © passion4nature/iStock via Getty Images
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