“Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge reported that adult American alligators typically grow to between 8-11 feet long and can weigh nearly half a ton. The Florida record for largest alligator was set by a male gator over 14 feet in length and more than a thousand pounds. One can estimate a gator’s size based on the distance between its eyes and snout: 1 inch on the snout equals 1 foot in total length. This gator was estimated to be about 4 feet long. To reach REFUGE/DDWS, please email