We have those in the Tennessee river around Chattanooga area, but I’ve never seen one near that size.
When I was growing up in the 70’s it was tradition if you caught one to pull it into the boat and beat it to death with a boat paddle then let it float down the river for all to see they were in the water. Saw many floating in the river when I was on it back then. Hardly ever see them now though, but I am much less frequently on the river now.
You read things online that say they don’t attack people, but I know people who swear that’s just a lie to stop people from killing them.
We have them in Florida as well, but they are really docile.
We had one come up to the boat one time and looked like he was begging for food. You could actually reach down and pet the thing...........