Massive Alligator Caught Not Once, But Twice, near Hilton Head, S.C.

by
posted on June 6, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
wilder_ah2015_fs.jpg (18)

Finding an alligator prowling around the area is something that residents in the southeastern part of the country are relatively accustomed to dealing with—but finding a 12-foot monster that looks like it walked right out of a Discovery Channel special? That's a little less common. Even more so when it turns up a second time.

That's essentially what happened in Hilton Head, S.C., according to a report from The Island Packet. Last week, Critter Management owner Joe Maffo was called to help take care of one massive gator—which he estimated was 12-feet, 8-inches long and weighed nearly a half-ton—that had appeared on a local roadway. Maffo and his team showed up, wrangled the big ol' reptile and ultimately released it at the point of a local creek, expecting that it would decide Hilton Head was too much trouble and head for greener pastures.

They were wrong. The next day, Maffo responded to another call on the island—and came face-to-face with the same gator. He and his team corralled it, again, and released it—again. This time he chose a spot near a wildlife refuge. Someone managed to get some video of the monster during the release, which you'll find at the bottom of this post.

The Associated Press is reporting that the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is actually planning on investigating the case, since "nuisance" alligators are typically eliminated, rather than re-released, for the safety of the public.

Get a look at the gargantuan gator yourself in the video embedded below.

Latest

Avian X Pop Up Blind New
Avian X Pop Up Blind New

New For 2026: Avian-X Pop-Up Blind

The Pop-Up Waterfowl Blind from Avian-X promises to deliver instant, full-coverage concealment without sacrificing space.

Wildest Hunting Finds of SHOT 2026

This year's SHOT Show was a reminder that creativity and innovation within the hunting world are alive and well. Here are ten items that caused us to take a double-take whilst walking the show floor.

Hot from SHOT: Best Whitetail Gear for 2026

With the new year comes a wave of newly released hunting gear aimed at giving hunters the edge afield. From cozier tree stands, easy-to-pack bags, feed, blinds, and more, manufacturers have sought every imaginable way to help hunters become more successful on their hunts. Read on as we take a closer look at what caught our eye.

AH Hunts: Late Season Alberta Geese Pt. 2

With some birds on the ground, Jon and Brad take a second to discuss the size of late-season Alberta honkers, before diving into the guns that brought them down. Check out part 2 of Senior Executive Editor Jon Draper and American Hunter contributor Brad Fenson's late-season Alberta honker hunt here.

Hardware Review: Hornady Backcountry Defense

A casual hike, a quick trip to grab firewood or a morning spent chasing trout all carry the potential of encountering a furry threat that might want to remind you that you are no longer at the top of the hierarchy.

Ruger Announces American Rifle Generation II Scout Models

Ruger ups the ante in 2026, delivering a newly crafted Scout rifle under its increasingly popular American Gen II line.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.