Capt Charlie said:
Hi Trip! Not doubting you, just couldn't find it on the Animal Planet web site. I think I read somewhere that gators and crocs never stop growing, and that they die from natural factors before becoming true giants. The record 17 footer was considered only from wild takes, but I believe there are bigger in captivity.
The above reminded me of something regarding the show I watched. First of all, I couldn't find a thing about it on Animal Planets website either. After a bit of "hard thinking" I think it was one of those "Extreme _____" show's, whereas the gator was only one portion of the show. If you could locate the scheduling for this past weekend I might be able to remember the name of the show.
Lastly, your comment "only from wild takes" (assuming you meant lakes) reminded me that this particular story (whether my memory is correct and it was a 20-footer or not) took place in a private community with about a 30-40 acre lake. Homes all around the perimeter. The "tone" of the residents of this particular lake was one of "they don't bother us, we don't bother them". And if I remember correctly, the DNR fella from Florida which was interviewed stated something along the lines of "when gators get 7' or longer they are captured and....."
Can't remember the rest of his comment word for word but the ones over 7' were either "dealt with" or moved to another location especially when they're captured in a populated area (such as this private community). I think this gator was moved at some point (around the 12' length) and then made it's way back (not sure how they knew it was the same one) only to be ignored and left alone. Pets went missing...etc, all the cliche's.
That's all I got, hopefully I'm not full of crap, but it's what I remember from the show.
Edit: I think my 20-footer memory is off base. What I've found is the world record
American alligator being 19' 2" long. So my story while honest from me, is untrue as my memory is doo-doo. God I hate being
liar.