Maximum Size of Female American Alligators and a New Record Total Length and Weight

Abstract

We reviewed past accounts of large female Alligator mississippiensis (American Alligator) from throughout their range and report on 2 exceptionally large female alligators (≥320 cm total length) harvested in Florida. Both individuals exceeded the previous record total length for a female American Alligator (309.9 cm [10 ft, 2.00 in]), and the larger of the 2 now holds the Florida state record for total length and weight at 322.0 cm (10 ft, 6.75 in) and 170 kg (375 lbs), which also makes it the largest officially measured free-ranging female American Alligator. Standardized morphometric measurements were taken by trained biologists, and we examined the reproductive tracts to verify the sex of the individuals. In one alligator, the reproductive tract was found to be abnormal and immature. A partial reproductive tract of the other alligator appeared normal.