
An alligator was found hiding beneath a row of shopping carts outside of a South Carolina Publix supermarket, causing quite a commotion. The peculiar sight immediately captured the interest of both shoppers and employees, prompting a barrier to be made out of more grocery carts and yellow warning tape to isolate the area.
The alligator, lying underneath the carts with its tail sticking out, seemed comfortable. Upon closer investigation, officials from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) found evidence of injury to the reptile. According to a statement from SCDNR, one of their staff noticed that the alligator seemed to have been shot with a pellet gun, as shown by the presence of a pellet in its skull.
A wildlife consultant was sent and the alligator was safely removed. The alligator was reintroduced to state waterways after undergoing treatment for its wounds, guaranteeing that it would remain securely away from public areas.
Following the event, the SCDNR published a set of guidelines to help people avoid dangerous situations with alligators. They warn you not to approach them and to exercise caution. Stay away from the margins of bodies of water and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Alligators may develop hazardous associations with people when fed. Hence, it’s against the law to do so.
The American alligator is found from the coast of North Carolina to the Rio Grande River on the Texas-Mexico border. Its habitats include leisurely moving freshwater rivers, marshes, swamps, and lakes. Since it lacks salt glands, it can only withstand exposure to salt water for short durations.
Male American alligators often measure 10–15 feet in length. The powerful tail is half its length. Although alligators may reach weights of up to 1,000 pounds, the typical male weighs 500 to 600 pounds. Males tend to be larger than females.
The predatory feeding habits of alligators allow them to consume a wide range of prey, including reptiles, snakes, birds, turtles, mammals, and fish.