When most people think of alligators, their minds jump to the swamps of Florida or Louisiana—not the high-elevation landscapes of Colorado. However, the Centennial State is home to several impressive gators, thanks largely to sanctuaries, farms, and exotic animal rescues. While wild gators don’t roam Colorado’s rivers, the state’s unique combination of geothermal springs and dedicated conservation efforts has created habitats where these giants can thrive.
Below, we take a look at the five largest alligators ever found in Colorado waters—each one a monster in its own right.
1. Morris the Giant – 12 Feet, 6 Inches
The largest alligator ever recorded in Colorado is Morris, a massive 12-foot-6-inch beast who resides at the Colorado Gators Reptile Park near Mosca. Morris weighs nearly 700 pounds and is thought to be over 60 years old. Originally brought in as part of a fish farm’s waste management system in the 1980s, Morris quickly became the face of the sanctuary. With a calm demeanor and an enormous appetite, he has appeared in several documentaries and has even been featured in educational wildlife programs across the country.
What’s more astounding is that Morris has adapted remarkably well to Colorado’s cold winters, surviving thanks to the park’s natural hot springs that maintain a warm year-round aquatic environment.
2. Big Al – 11 Feet, 8 Inches
Another heavyweight resident of the Colorado Gators Reptile Park, Big Al measures 11 feet, 8 inches and weighs over 600 pounds. Big Al was rescued from a failed roadside zoo operation in the Midwest and brought to the sanctuary in the late 1990s. Due to years of poor care, he arrived underweight and aggressive, but after proper rehabilitation, Big Al grew into one of the most powerful predators in the park.
He is easily recognized by the battle scars along his back and tail, souvenirs from previous encounters with other dominant males. Today, he serves as a key part of the park’s breeding and educational programs.
3. Jaxon the Snapper – 11 Feet, 2 Inches
Jaxon earned his nickname “the Snapper” for his lightning-fast jaw reflexes and infamous temperament. Found illegally kept in a private backyard enclosure in Texas, he was transferred to Colorado after authorities seized the animal in 2010. Jaxon now lives in a specially designed reinforced habitat at the Mosca sanctuary.
What makes Jaxon particularly impressive is his thick skull and powerful bite, which has been measured at nearly 2,000 PSI (pounds per square inch). He has crushed entire turkeys in one bite and continues to surprise handlers with his raw strength and unpredictable movements.
4. Roscoe – 10 Feet, 9 Inches
Roscoe may be fourth on the list in size, but he’s second to none when it comes to personality. Described by handlers as curious and even “playful,” Roscoe came to Colorado as part of a cross-state rescue effort involving multiple exotic animals abandoned by a bankrupt roadside attraction in Arizona.
Though his original age is unknown, Roscoe is estimated to be around 40 years old and enjoys lounging near the edge of the pond during tours. Unlike the more aggressive males, Roscoe is often seen interacting with visitors from behind the safety fence and has become a favorite during the park’s alligator handling classes.
5. Sheila – 10 Feet, 4 Inches (Female Record-Holder)
While male gators dominate most size records, Sheila is the undisputed queen of Colorado’s gator scene. Measuring 10 feet, 4 inches, she is the largest female alligator ever found in the state. Female gators rarely exceed 9 feet, making Sheila’s size a rare biological marvel.
Originally part of a reptile breeding program in Florida, Sheila was sent to Colorado after outgrowing her enclosure and proving to be too territorial for other females. In her new home, she’s not only survived but thrived, often keeping dominant males at bay with nothing more than a look and a warning hiss. Sheila has laid eggs several times over the years, although most are not fertilized.
Why Are Gators in Colorado at All?
All of the alligators on this list reside at the Colorado Gators Reptile Park, a unique sanctuary in southern Colorado that began as a tilapia fish farm in the 1970s. To manage dead fish and maintain a natural ecosystem, the farm introduced alligators. Over time, as word spread, the site evolved into a sanctuary and rescue facility for unwanted exotic reptiles.
Colorado’s geothermal waters—specifically the natural hot springs in the San Luis Valley—allow the park to maintain tropical-like conditions for these reptiles year-round, even during harsh winters. The facility now houses hundreds of reptiles and amphibians, including dozens of alligators from all over the U.S.
Conclusion
Colorado might not be gator country in the traditional sense, but thanks to sanctuaries like the Colorado Gators Reptile Park, the state is home to some truly monstrous and fascinating alligators. From Morris, the gentle giant, to Sheila, the fierce female record-holder, each gator has a unique story and serves an important role in education, conservation, and rehabilitation. So if you ever find yourself in southern Colorado, don’t be surprised to hear the snap of powerful jaws echoing off the Rocky Mountains..