800-Pound Mississippi Gator Shatters State Record As Largest Ever Caught
September 1, 2023
A colossal alligator weighing a staggering 800 pounds was captured in Mississippi, breaking the state record for the largest gator ever caught.
The 14-foot-long gator was caught Saturday in Mississippi by four hunters on the Yazoo River in Yazoo City, MS.
It broke the state's size record, weighing in at a whopping 802.5 lbs.
The animal's meat, harvested by Red Antler Processing, will end up in the mouths of the hungry. Nearly 400 pounds of meat was donated to soup kitchens and nonprofits around the area.
Its hide, which will take months to process, will become fine leather goods.
Local conservationists say getting the massive predator out of the water is good for the species' population and will keep people and pets safe.
"These wild culls are amazing, honestly, it's incredible population control for the species," Christy Plott, vice chair of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's crocodile specialist group told Insider. "About 1 to 2% of wild alligators are culled annually, so it's not a big number, and the goal is to take out some of the larger animals that are not productive for breeding and keep other alligators from breeding — which is obviously bad for the population as a whole."
Experts believe the gator was around 45 years old.
According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are an estimated 32,000-38,000 alligators living in the state.
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
These Cat Reactions To Owners Calling Them Through Security Cameras Are Absolutely Hilarious
Kentucky Nurse Saves Drunk Raccoon With CPR After Dumpster Mishap
Shoulder Labrum Tear Symptoms And The Causes Behind Them
'Everyone Gets A Kick Out Of It': Baby Born At McDonald’s Parking Lot Has Perfect Nickname
The Mechanical Nurse At Guy’s Hospital Is Equal Parts Creepy And Brilliant
Dad And His Dog Share Breakfast Together Every Morning — And It’s The Sweetest Routine
Epic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Flashmob Takes Over the Streets of Paris
Texas Cheerleaders Perform Emotional 9/11 Tribute That Brings Crowd To Tears
FDNY Honors Bride Whose Father Died On 9/11 With Touching Wedding Surprise
Honey Badger Picks Fight With Elephant, Gets Hilariously Booted Away
Tiny Soccer Rivals Choose Hugs Over Competition