UPDATE: A South Carolina woman has made headlines after catching a massive alligator measuring an astonishing 12 feet and weighing 597 pounds, just months after giving birth. Brittany Livingston, dubbed “Gator Girl,” achieved this impressive feat in September 2023, captivating audiences across the state.
The Livingstons’ jaw-dropping catch drew significant attention when they shared footage of the alligator in their pickup truck. They even went viral after a video showed them navigating through a West Ashley McDonald’s drive-thru with the gigantic reptile. “We had a lot of eyes on us,” Brittany said, according to Live 5 News. “People were waving, giving thumbs up… even the workers at McDonald’s came outside to see it.”
Brittany, currently on maternity leave after welcoming her baby just five months ago, had been waiting for five years to secure an alligator hunting tag from South Carolina’s lottery system. In 2025, she was finally selected for the coveted tag in Unit 4, a region known for its alligator population. “You gain preference points each year,” she explained. “This year, I finally had enough.”
Each year, over 12,000 applicants vie for just 1,400 available tags through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), which regulates the hunting to maintain a healthy alligator population. “The goal is not to eliminate alligators,” stated Jay Butfiloski, the ex-alligator program coordinator for the SCDNR. “It’s to allow some harvest, which helps manage the population and reduce nuisance issues.”
The Livingstons engaged in a lengthy battle with the alligator, which culminated in them successfully shooting it in the head just after 3:00 a.m. The couple’s determination and skill have not only resulted in a remarkable catch but also sparked widespread admiration and curiosity.
This extraordinary event highlights not only the thrill of alligator hunting but also the ongoing efforts to manage wildlife populations in South Carolina. As the story continues to unfold, the Livingstons remain a focal point of local interest, embodying both the excitement of outdoor adventures and the challenges of parenting.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it captures the imaginations of residents statewide and beyond.
