BREAKING: A South Carolina woman has made headlines after catching a staggering 12-foot, 597-pound alligator, just months after giving birth. Brittany Livingston, who gained the nickname “Gator Girl,” showcased her remarkable catch that has captivated the state, making waves on social media and beyond.
The Livingstons’ adventure took a wild turn when they drove through a West Ashley McDonald’s with their massive catch earlier this month. Video footage revealed the enormous alligator in their pickup truck, drawing attention from onlookers. “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 long awaited this moment. For five years, she applied for an alligator hunting tag through South Carolina’s lottery system, which limits applications to only 1,400 tags annually out of more than 12,000 applicants. In 2025, her name was finally drawn for the coveted tag in the Pee Dee region.
“This year, I finally had enough preference points,” Brittany explained. The lottery system, operated by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, is designed to manage the alligator population responsibly. “The goal is not to eliminate alligators,” stated Jay Butfiloski, South Carolina’s former alligator program coordinator. “It’s to allow some harvest, which helps manage the population and reduce nuisance issues.”
The Livingstons’ encounter with the gator was not without challenge. Their struggle with the alligator lasted hours, culminating in a successful shot to the head just after 3:00 a.m. This extraordinary feat has not only showcased Brittany’s determination but also sparked conversations about wildlife management in South Carolina.
As the story continues to unfold, many are left wondering how this remarkable catch will impact the local community and wildlife conversation. With Brittany’s story already gaining traction, expect to see more updates as the Livingstons share their unique experience.
Stay tuned for more breaking news from South Carolina as this story develops.
