Louisiana is a fully diverse state which lies adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico. The above maps identify Louisiana as having rich upland it also possesses an alluvial area formed by the Mississippi river system. In the alluvial area, there are virtually several swamps and marshes which I believe would be ideal for so many animals. Amongst these animals are alligators.
Astoundingly, there are about 2 million having this sort of employment in the state of Louisiana although it is said to be the largest in the whole of the United States. Since alligators inhabit freshwater systems the wetland areas are the right place for them. Indeed, there are those that really do so well that they extend to unimaginable extents! This brings the ultimate question; just how big do these animals get?
Join us as we discover the biggest alligator ever found in Louisiana!
Information About Alligators
Alligators are large reptiles belonging to the family of Alligatoroidae that includes alligators and the caimans. They measure about 2000mm in body length and are dark olive-brown in color with white bellies whilst the juvenile penguins are; have white bellies but their color is yellow.
Hence, this animal is only found in three countries, namely China, the United States of America and Mexico. Two species are presently extant they are the American alligator and the Chinese alligator.
The Chinese alligator is definitely smaller of the two and can only grow up to 5-7 ft in length and this species of the crocodile is a Critically Endangered species. American alligators have not been classified as a species that is in danger any further and are much bigger – on average their size is between 11-16ft. Males are larger than females and size is in most instances an indication of age thus the largest of the males are the oldest.
Alligators are reported to be territorial species of animals that mainly inhabit aquatic ecosystems common in swamp land, marshes, ponds, lakes and rivers; they dig ‘alligator holes’. These holes do also help in creating space for some kinds of the animals and also assist in encouraging plant growth and vigor.
Biggest Alligator Ever Found In Louisiana
Louisiana largest alligator measured 19ft 2 inches. Although not measured on scale it is estimated to be roughly around 2000 pounds. Nonetheless, what a record this colossal one is, still this giant cannot be said to be an official record since its authenticity could not be corroborated. A large specimen was shot on Marsh Island in January 1890 by Edward “Ned” McIlhenny.
While hunting geese in comparatively shallow bayous, McIlhenny discovered the giant disposed of at a semi-submerged position. It was stiff from old age and cold from the cold air hence he shot it dead hoping to save and preserve its skin. The next morning McIlhenny returned to the site with two friends intent on dragging it ashore.
Because of its huge size along with the condition that the boggy marsh is pulling it down, they could not lift the animal. Instead they flunked it and then just threw it where they had measured it.
In this respect there have been few physical remains which have made many scientists doubt the actual size of the alligator.
Were Ancient Alligators Even Bigger?
Even if the very idea of a 19 ft long alligator does not send shivers down your spine, meet Deinosuchus — a 35 ft long prehistoric predator. There are a number of related species of Deinosuchus / Water Reptiles, which formed part of the Alligator idea superfamily that is related to the modern alligators.
During the Cretaceous epoch – 82 to 73 mya Are you afraid of these animals? Excavated vestiges have been detected in ten states across the country – Mississippi, Georgia and North Carolina among them. It was believed that Deinosuchus could inhabit shallow seas and specifically saline and brackish waters near estuaries.
This new species seemed like a present day alligator, but far larger in size than what we can see today. It had a broad head which is elongated towards the rear and with robust build jaws with thick and sturdy teeth for executing a bite and holding down its prey. Here are some real facts; however, saltwater crocodiles’ today’s most expansive bite force measures 16,460 Newtons. Surprisingly, the estimated Deinosuchus bite force measures around 100,000 Newtons!
With such large jaws and teeth it is not very surprising to discover that they preyed upon dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures – in fact it is probable that they were the premier predators of their time.
Alligators Feed
While alligators feed on almost every animal that falls within their reach, the type of diet usually differs according to the age and size of the alligators. Juvenile, relatively smaller alligators feed on a more limited diet which includes fish, insects and crustaceans and then to generalized larger creatures. Adult alligators feed on a variety of things from turtles and fish, birds up to deer.
Alligators though are comparatively small can move fast for confined distances in ‘sprints’ …..sprints which are most utilized while hunting . Prey is normally hunted around the water lined shores. Small prey are quickly seized and ingested whereas large prey is normally dragged to the water where he is drowned.
