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

CH993, A Flexible Plan Helps In Coyote Success, Copyright Mark Kayser
CH993, A Flexible Plan Helps In Coyote Success, Copyright Mark Kayser

Coyote Tactics: Stay Flexible

The successful hunters I know do not get hung up on one tactic. They constantly float between strategies in an ever-changing hunting environment. Quite simply, they’re flexible. I take that improvising nature to heart even for coyotes, particularly when they shun my calls for whatever reason. When that occurs, I continue the hunt, but modify my strategy to fit the scenario.  

Remington Announces 3 New Subsonic Rifle Loads

Remington Ammunition is launching three new rifle cartridges loaded to subsonic muzzle velocities in 2026. The new Boat-tail Hollow Point (BHP) loads include a 250-grain 360 Buckhammer, 190-grain .308 Winchester and 300-grain 45-70 Government.

Report Identifies 80,000 Acres for Sitka Black-Tailed Deer Habitat Restoration

The Blacktail Deer Foundation (BDF) has released a new report titled A Restoration Mapping Framework: To Improve Sitka Black-tailed Deer Habitat in Southeast Alaska.

Tale of the Twist: How Does Twist Rate Affect a Shot?

Ever wonder exactly how twist rate affects projectiles and bullet selection? Dive into this important component of ballistics with Phil Massaro.

New for 2026: CCI High Bar Air Gun Slugs

CCI Ammunition has introduced High Bar Air Gun Slugs, which are designed to deliver accuracy and terminal performance, especially through modern PCP air rifles and pistols.

Try a Hunting Preserve

With most hunting seasons over, some of us like to find another avenue in which to go afield. What about trying a bird hunting preserve?

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.