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

Moultrie Edge 3
Moultrie Edge 3

Big Buck Business: Whitetail Gear Roundup

Have you noticed some holes in your deer kit this season? Some shortcomings that need addressing? Check out this roundup of whitetail gear tailor made for dropping big bucks.

NRA Foundation Donates $30,000 to Help Feed Missouri Families

The NRA Foundation has once again stepped up to fight hunger in Missouri, donating $30,000 to help feed children and families across the state through a partnership with the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM), Feeding Missouri, and the Share the Harvest Program.

New Video Demonstrates Benefits of School Programs on Conservation

The latest Partner With a Payer video released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service highlights the impact of youth shooting sport programs and the role they play in long-term conservation funding.

Hardware Review: Barnes Harvest Collection

Check out Bryce Towsley's review of this fall whitetail slayer from Barnes.

New for 2025: Alps OutdoorZ DU Legacy Line

For those seeking a fusion of classic looks and continued performance from their waterfowl hunting accessories, the Alps OutdoorZ’s DU Legacy Line Accessories are worth a look.

Hunting with a Twist: Rethinking the .30-06

In a world where the wheel seems to be continually reinvented, ballistically speaking, what about working with an existing platform to achieve new performance goals? Come with me as we take an academic tour of an American icon and its versatility as a worldwide critter getter. Let me re-introduce you to the .30-06 Springfield.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.