Massive alligator sets new Alabama record | Environment

SELMA, AL (WSFA) - There's a new gator record in the state of Alabama. Hunters bagged the huge reptile from the Alabama River near Selma Saturday.

The creature weighed 838 pounds and stretched to a span of 14 feet 2 inches. Its girth was 65 inches, or 5 and a half feet around.

Hunters of the record catch included Mike & Destin Bailey of Wilsonville, AL, Keith Fancher of Sterrett, AL, J.C. Peeples of Shelby, AL, David & Mindy Hatchett of Columbiana, AL & Stacy Peeples of Shelby, AL.

The previous record for an alligator caught in Alabama was a 13 foot 4 inch beast that weighed 734 pounds. It was hunted by John Fulton of Bessemer in 2010 on the Tensaw River.

Saturday's hunt saw other big catches.

Other hunters caught an impressive gator that weighed 720 pounds and was 13 feet long. Hunters said it also was found on the Alabama River.

Monday was the last day of alligator hunting season for west central Alabama.