South Carolina Woman, Nicknamed ‘Gator Girl,’ Catches 12-Foot Alligator

UPDATE: A remarkable catch in South Carolina has turned heads after Brittany Livingston, just months after giving birth, captured a massive 12-foot, 597-pound alligator. The event unfolded late at night on September 27, 2025, and has earned Brittany the nickname “Gator Girl.”

The Livingston couple’s adventure began when they finally secured an alligator hunting tag after five years of applying through South Carolina’s lottery system. The alligator hunt took place in the Pee Dee region, where Brittany’s name was drawn among over 12,000 applicants for just 1,400 tags available each season.

The couple’s thrilling encounter with the alligator lasted hours. They managed to take down the creature shortly after 3:00 a.m., shooting it in the head. “We had a lot of eyes on us,” Brittany recounted, highlighting their unforgettable experience as they drove through a West Ashley McDonald’s drive-thru with the alligator in their truck.

Footage of the couple showcasing their catch quickly went viral, with bystanders giving thumbs up and even McDonald’s employees stepping outside to witness the spectacle. The scene captured public attention, showcasing both the thrill of the hunt and the sense of community that arose from such an unusual event.

Brittany, who is currently on maternity leave, expressed her excitement about finally securing a tag this season. “You gain preference points each year,” she explained. “This year, I finally had enough.”

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources operates the tag system to manage the alligator population responsibly, ensuring that hunting helps avoid overpopulation and nuisance issues. Former alligator program coordinator Jay Butfiloski stated, “The goal is not to eliminate alligators; it’s to allow some harvest, which helps manage the population.”

As the story of “Gator Girl” continues to circulate, it serves as a reminder of the thrill of hunting and the unexpected moments that can arise in everyday life. Stay tuned for more updates on this viral sensation and the ongoing alligator hunting season in South Carolina.