A remarkable event unfolded on the Yazoo River in Mississippi over the weekend. A group of hunters stumbled upon a massive alligator and engaged in a fierce battle to secure their catch. Little did they know, they were about to make history by capturing the largest alligator ever found in the entire state!
The previous record had held strong for the past six years, but this gigantic predator shattered it by almost 40lbs, measuring an impressive 14ft 3ins in length and weighing a whopping 802.5lbs. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks even estimated that the circumference of its belly alone was a remarkable 66 inches, with a tail thickness of 46.5 inches.
In celebration of this incredible feat, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife took to their official Facebook page to share a picture of the record-breaking capture. They praised the hunters for their accomplishment, extending their congratulations to the triumphant team of Don Woods from Madison, Will Thomas from Oxford, and Tanner White from Flora. Unfortunately, Joey Clark from Jackson couldn’t be pictured.
As news of the catch spread online, people were astounded by the sheer size of the alligator. Comments flooded in, with one person exclaiming, “Good grief, that’s a monster!” Another commenter, clearly impressed by Mississippi’s ability to produce such colossal creatures, said, “OMG…such a monster! In Mississippi, they grow large! Kudos for your excellent catch.”
Don Woods, one of the hunters, spoke to the Mirror about the intense battle it took to capture the gator. He explained, “We hooked him eight or nine times, and he kept breaking off. He would sit down, get up, and leave. He kept stepping on logs. He was acting with knowledge. The absurd thing is that he remained there.” This testament to the alligator’s strength and cunning adds to the astounding nature of their achievement.
It’s important to note that alligator hunting has been legal in Mississippi for the past 18 years. The state’s efforts to maintain a stable alligator population have resulted in a regulated hunting season, which requires a unique permit. Only 920 of these permits are available to the public, allowing for a controlled and sustainable approach to alligator hunting.
This impressive record-breaking catch serves as a testament to the unique wildlife that can be found in Mississippi’s waters. It showcases the thrill of the hunt and the determination of these skilled hunters. Congratulations once again to Don Woods, Will Thomas, Tanner White, and the entire team for their unforgettable achievement!
