South Carolina Woman, “Gator Girl,” Catches 12-Foot Alligator

UPDATE: In a jaw-dropping feat, Brittany Livingston, just months after giving birth, caught a colossal 12-foot, 597-pound alligator in South Carolina, earning her the nickname “Gator Girl.” This remarkable catch is making headlines across the state as the couple, along with Brittany’s husband Matt Livingston, shared their adventure on social media.

The Livingston’s incredible catch occurred early on a September morning, shortly after 3:00 a.m.. Footage of the enormous alligator was shared widely, showing it being transported in their pickup truck, causing a stir at a West Ashley McDonald’s drive-thru. “We had a lot of eyes on us,” Brittany reported, noting the enthusiastic reactions from bystanders and McDonald’s staff.

Brittany’s journey to this moment was no accident. For the past five years, she has applied for an alligator hunting tag through South Carolina’s lottery system, which had over 12,000 applicants vying for just 1,400 tags available each season. In 2025, her persistence paid off when she was selected for a hunting tag in Unit 4, covering the Pee Dee region. “You gain preference points each year,” Brittany explained, reflecting on her successful application while on maternity leave after welcoming her baby just five months earlier.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources oversees the alligator hunting program, which aims to manage the population responsibly. Former alligator program coordinator Jay Butfiloski emphasized, “The goal is not to eliminate alligators. It’s to allow some harvest, which helps manage the population and reduce nuisance issues.”

The Livingstons faced hours of struggle before finally capturing the massive alligator. Their experience highlights not only the thrill of the hunt but also the community’s fascination with this unusual event. As the story continues to gain traction, people are captivated by the duo’s determination and the spectacle of their catch.

As news spreads, many are eager to learn more about the alligator hunting season and the Livingstons’ next adventures. Stay tuned for updates on this incredible story that blends family life with the wild adventures of South Carolina.