MS Hunters Capture This 700-Pound Alligator -- the Heaviest in State History

Hunters have landed themselves in the state record books after capturing a massive, 697.5 lb. alligator in Mississippi. The horrifying creature, which was more than 13 feet in length, is seven pounds heavier than the state's previous record-holder (which weighed in at 690.5 lbs.).

Tom Grant, a resident of Boyle, apprehended the alligator along with fellow hunters Jim Reed, Michael Robbers and Kenny Winter. After making the catch, Grant described the successful process in detail.

"When we snagged the alligator with two rod and reel snatch hooks, we knew he was big, we just didn't know he would be this big," he told Al.com. "It was an hour-and-a-half of pure tug of war and chaos before we finally had him restrained."

Al.com has more about the fascinating find as well as the region's history of housing large alligators:

"This is not the first record to come from Issaquena Co. and probably will not be the last, said MDWFP Alligator Program Coordinator Ricky Flynt.

He said the lower Delta region of the state is home to some very remote and abundant habitat that has harbored large alligators for thousands of years. Much of this region is protected by state and federal wildlife management areas and refuges, timber companies and large farming operations.

"The recovery of the American alligator in Mississippi from an endangered species to a population that now has reached levels to sustain limited hunting status is a true wildlife conservation success story," Flynt added.

Permits for alligator hunting close on Monday, so there is very little time for anyone hoping to beat Grant's new-found record this season. Then again -- there's always next year.

(H/T: Daily Mail)