Record-Breaking Alligator Found in Florida

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recently captured a massive alligator on a private property in Levy County. The alligator, which was captured on September 14th, is the largest ever found in the state of Florida.

Measuring an astonishing 14 feet and 3 inches, the gator dwarfs the previous state record holder by 5 inches. It's likely that this alligator is also the largest alligator ever recorded in North America.

According to FWC officials, the alligator was likely more than 50 years old. Capturing an animal of this size is no small feat; it took a team of 12 people using a dozen fishing nets to finally bring the gator down.

Despite its impressive size, the alligator was not aggressive and did not pose a threat to humans. It has been relocated to a remote area of swamp land where it will be able to live out its days in peace.

Giant Alligator Sighted at Louisiana Golf Course

A giant alligator was sighted this week at a golf course in Louisiana. The alligator was estimated to be around twelve feet long, and is the largest alligator ever seen in the area.

Golfers at the course were understandably alarmed when they saw the massive gator, and some reportedly fled in terror. Wildlife officials have been called in to remove the alligator, and say that it will likely be relocated to a wildlife refuge.

This is not the first time an alligator this size has been spotted in Louisiana. In 2016, a thirteen-foot alligator was captured near New Orleans.

Alligators are common in Louisiana, where they can be found in both freshwater and saltwater habitats. They typically grow to lengths of six to eight feet, but can reach lengths of up to fourteen feet.

The biggest alligator ever confirmed was eighteen feet long, but there are reports of alligators even larger than that. Alligators are considered to be apex predators, meaning that they occupy the highest place in their food chain.

Despite their fearsome reputation, alligators rarely attack humans. Only around twenty-three people are killed by alligators each year, most of them being fisherman or hunters who inadvertently cross paths with an alligator.

So far this year there have been five unprovoked attacks by alligators on humans in the United States, resulting in two injuries.

Alligator Attacks Toddler Swimming in North Carolina Lake

A 2-year-old toddler was bitten by an alligator while swimming in a North Carolina lake on Tuesday.

The child was swimming in the water at Mayo Lake Park when the alligator attacked, biting the child on the ankle.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported the child to a local hospital. The extent of the child's injuries is not known.

Officials from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission are investigating the incident.

Alligators are common in North Carolina lakes and ponds, and attacks on humans are not rare. In June, a man died after being attacked by an alligator while walking his dog near a lake in Charlotte.

Authorities advise people to stay away from alligators and to keep their children close by when swimming in areas where they may be present.

Woman Fishing at Texas Reservoir Bites Off Alligator's Head

A 43-year-old woman fishing at a Texas reservoir has bitten off the head of an alligator that attacked her.

The woman, whose identity has not been released, was fishing with her family Sunday evening at Lake Conroe near Houston when she hooked the six-foot alligator.

After a struggle, she managed to get the alligator's head in her mouth and bit it off.

"She basically fought tooth and nail to get that alligator free and bit its head off," said Lt. Glenn Ross of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. "And, believe me, it was not pretty."

The woman's children were nearby during the attack but were not injured. She was treated for wounds on her hands and arms at a local hospital and released.

Authorities are still searching for the alligator's body.

Florida Woman Finds Baby Alligator in Toilet

A Florida woman got quite a shock when she went to the toilet on Monday morning and found a baby alligator lurking inside the bowl.

The startled homeowner, who wished to remain anonymous, called 911 immediately upon discovering the small gator.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers arrived at the scene soon after and removed the alligator from the toilet. The animal was estimated to be about six inches long and was released back into a nearby creek.

This is not the first time that an alligator has been discovered in a Florida home. In July 2017, a family in Holiday, Florida, found an alligator swimming in their pool. And in August 2016, an Orlando family discovered an alligator in their bathroom sink.

So why are alligators ending up in people's homes? FWC spokesperson Joy Hill said that it's likely due to the animals being displaced by Hurricane Irma. "Alligators are very mobile creatures and they can travel pretty far distances," Hill said. "They're also very opportunistic so if they see food available or something that looks like it would make a good place to live, they'll take advantage of that."

If you come across an alligator in your home or on your property, Hill advises you to contact FWC immediately. "We always tell people do not try to touch or capture the alligator yourself," Hill said. "Leave it to the professionals."