UPDATE: A South Carolina woman has made headlines after catching a massive alligator measuring 12 feet and weighing 597 pounds, just months after giving birth. Brittany Livingston, nicknamed “Gator Girl,” achieved this remarkable feat during the state’s alligator hunting season, capturing the attention of locals and social media alike.
The extraordinary catch took place in the Pee Dee region at approximately 3:00 a.m.. Brittany and her husband, Matt Livingston, shared their thrilling experience on social media, showcasing footage of the enormous alligator loaded into their pickup truck. A second video from September showed the couple causing a stir at a West Ashley McDonald’s drive-thru with their unusual passenger.
“We had a lot of eyes on us,” Brittany told Live 5 News. “People were waving, giving thumbs up … even the workers at McDonald’s came outside to see it.” This interaction highlights the community’s excitement surrounding the catch, which has quickly become a local sensation.
After five years of applying for an alligator hunting tag through South Carolina’s lottery system, Brittany’s name was finally selected for the 2025 season. The lottery system, managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, grants only 1,400 tags each year out of over 12,000 applicants. “You gain preference points each year,” Brittany explained. “This year, I finally had enough.”
The alligator hunting program aims to manage the alligator population effectively and reduce nuisance issues in the state. “The goal is not to eliminate alligators,” stated Jay Butfiloski, South Carolina’s former alligator program coordinator. “It’s to allow some harvest, which helps manage the population.”
The Livingstons’ battle with the massive alligator lasted several hours but ultimately ended with a successful shot. This catch is not just a personal triumph for Brittany; it underscores the ongoing relationship between humans and wildlife in South Carolina, raising questions about conservation and management of natural resources.
As this story continues to unfold, many are eager to see how the Livingstons will celebrate their incredible achievement and what this catch means for future alligator hunting seasons. Stay tuned for more updates on this captivating story that has captured the hearts of South Carolinians and beyond.
