How big is the world's largest alligator?

The largest alligator ever reported in America was alleged to be 19.8 feet long. Alligators typically grow to between 10 and 15 feet in length.

American alligators live almost exclusively in freshwater lakes, marshes, rivers and swamps in the southeastern United States. The heaviest population concentrations are in Florida and Louisiana.

Although they are ungainly on land, American alligators are extremely well adapted swimmers. Male alligators average to be 10 to 15 feet long and can weigh up to 1,000 pounds. Female alligators grow to about 9.8 feet in length.

Adult alligators are apex predators, meaning that they are at the top of the food chain. They mainly eat fish, snakes and small mammals.