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, now dubbed “Gator Girl,” successfully captured this colossal reptile in the Pee Dee region early today, thrilling onlookers and igniting social media buzz.
The catch unfolded in the early hours of September 2025, just after 3:00 a.m., marking an extraordinary achievement for the mother of a five-month-old baby. Brittany and her husband, Matt Livingston, shared footage of their remarkable catch as they transported the alligator in their pickup truck, drawing cheers and curiosity from local residents. “We had a lot of eyes on us,” Brittany recounted, adding, “People were waving, giving thumbs up… even the workers at McDonald’s came outside to see it.”
For five years, Brittany had sought an alligator hunting tag through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ lottery system, which issues only 1,400 tags annually to over 12,000 applicants. This year, her dedication paid off when she was finally selected in Unit 4, covering the region where she caught the alligator. “You gain preference points each year,” she explained, highlighting her long-awaited opportunity to participate in the hunting season.
The alligator hunt was not without its challenges. After a drawn-out struggle that lasted hours, Brittany and Matt ultimately ended the gator’s life with a shot to the head, successfully managing the wildlife according to state regulations. The South Carolina ex-alligator program coordinator, Jay Butfiloski, emphasized that the goal of the hunting program is to maintain the alligator population and mitigate nuisance issues, stating, “It’s to allow some harvest, which helps manage the population.”
Brittany’s incredible story has resonated widely, showcasing not only her achievement as a new mother but also her commitment to wildlife management. As the story continues to unfold, many are eager to see how this “Gator Girl” will continue to inspire others in her community.
Stay tuned for more updates on this remarkable catch and its impact on local culture and wildlife management practices.
