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

Savage 99 C With Redfield Optic
Savage 99 C With Redfield Optic

Savage Model 99—The Jeep of the Gun World

Savage 99 represents a full circle of rifle design. Join Andi Bogard on a whimsical exploration of both the technical brilliance and timeless effectiveness of this iconic design. 

First Look: Arcus Hunting Defend by Tink's

Arcus Hunting has released Defend by Tink's, focused on creating the impression that coyotes are present, keeping unwanted wildlife away from homes and properties, and providing a strong, authentic urine sourced from real coyotes for real effectiveness.

Black Bear in Saskatchewan: Fortune Favors the Foolish

They pressed north through wildfire to their destination, a lakeside bear camp in Saskatchewan. Days later, they wondered whether their decision-making was bold or reckless.

First Look: Henry 1860 SUV Eagle

Pre orders for the Henry 1860 SUV Eagle are ongoing, a custom-engraved edition of its H11 New Original Henry Rifle developed in collaboration with the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War ("SUVCW"). A portion of the proceeds from every sale will support SUVCW's mission to preserve the history and legacy of America's Civil War veterans. Pre-orders are available exclusively at HenryUSA.com.

#SundayGunday: Savage Arms Revel DLX

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out a brilliant little takedown rimfire lever action from Savage Arms. This is the Revel DLX. An excellent fusion between classic lines and modern features, the gun is built around a satin-finished Walnut stock, boasting stippling for grip and comfort. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Watch Your Local Deer Herd for EHD

As a part of your summertime scouting, make sure to look out for signs of EHD among your local deer herd. Frank Miniter has spotted some on his own scouting tips, and gives some information about the disease.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.