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

Lead Photo 2
Lead Photo 2

Top 10 Rimfire Loads for Hunters

Phil Massaro loves rimfire rifles of all shapes and sizes, and enjoys the majority of rimfire cartridges available. Here is his top ten of the latter, in no particular order.

Tips for Waterfowl Hunters to Safeguard Against Bird Flu

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued a reminder for waterfowl hunters that applies throughout the nation. Following a few simple step can protect yourself and domestic animals from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which is commonly known as bird flu.

EchoCore Suppressors Win Awards, Sign with Silencer Shop

In its first year of public evaluation, EchoCore Suppressors made an immediate impact at the 2025 Silencer Summit, taking first and second place in the 5.56mm category with its Sector 5.56 Full Size and Sector 5.56 Compact suppressors. On the heels of this, EchoCore has signed an exclusive distributorship agreement with Silencer Shop. 

New to the Flyway: Waterfowl Gear Roundup

Check out our roundup of the best of this season's waterfowl gear.

Chevron Commits $450,000 Wetland and Mottled Duck Conservation

Chevron recently continued its commitment to restoring and enhancing critical wetlands along the Louisiana coast by partnering with Ducks Unlimited (DU) to enhance private lands for waterfowl and other wildlife through the Louisiana Mottled Duck Project and the USA Rice-DU Rice Stewardship Partnership.

Behind the Scenes: Hard Truths of Conservation

Hard Truths tackles misconceptions about hunting and conservation, but these ambitious goals require filming in tough conditions and in remote areas alongside some of the world’s most dangerous wildlife.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.