Adults, kids sat on massive gator to pose for photos before it was euthanized

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — An alligator believed to be the largest ever captured on Hilton Head Island was euthanized Tuesday.

And according to WJCL, newly released video shows adults and children sitting on the massive gator to pose for pictures before it was killed.

WJCL reported that the male gator weighed more than 1,000 pounds, was more than 12 feet long and was between 80 and 100 years old.

Huge crowds gathered to watch 19-year-old Joe Maffo with Critter Management wrangle the gator after it was spotted on a miniature golf course.

But before it was taken away and with its arms tied behind its back, officials said Maffo allowed about 20 to 30 people to take turns sitting on its back, many of them posing for photos.

According to WJCL, harassing alligators, much like feeding them, is illegal in South Carolina.

Leaders of the town have condemned the people’s actions.

The town manager issued a statement Thursday calling the actions “egregious and unacceptable.”

According to The Island Packet, Maffo and his grandfather who founded the company have apologized.

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