South Carolina Mom Hooks Massive 12-Foot Alligator Just Months Post-Baby

BREAKING: 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, dubbed “Gator Girl,” captured the attention of many when footage of her extraordinary catch went viral, showcasing the enormous alligator in her pickup truck.

The Livingstons, Brittany and her husband Matt, have become local celebrities following their remarkable catch earlier this month. A video of the couple navigating the drive-thru at a West Ashley McDonald’s with the alligator in tow has taken social media by storm. “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.”

In a thrilling turn of events, Brittany, who is currently on maternity leave after welcoming her baby just five months ago, had been vying for an alligator hunting tag for five years. Her persistence paid off when her name was finally drawn in 2025 for the alligator hunting season in Unit 4, which encompasses the Pee Dee region. “You gain preference points each year,” Brittany explained. “This year, I finally had enough.”

Despite fierce competition—over 12,000 applicants vie for only 1,400 available tags each season, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources—Brittany’s determination led to her successful hunt. The program aims to manage the alligator population while reducing nuisance incidents. “The goal is not to eliminate alligators,” said Jay Butfiloski, the state’s ex-alligator program coordinator, to Live 5 News. “It’s to allow some harvest, which helps manage the population.”

The Livingstons’ battle with the alligator lasted for hours, culminating in a decisive shot at 3:00 a.m., resulting in the kill. This extraordinary story of a new mother taking on such a formidable creature has resonated deeply with both locals and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

As the news continues to spread, many are captivated not only by the size of the alligator but also by Brittany’s incredible feat just months after childbirth. The story highlights the intersection of wildlife management and personal achievement, making it a trending topic across various platforms.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as the Livingstons continue to garner attention for their remarkable adventure.