Man's arm salvaged from alligator's belly
Nurses' quick work helps save man attacked in Lake Moultrie
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Alligator Attack
A large alligator attacked a man swimming in Lake Moultrie Sunday September 16, 2007.
MONCKS CORNER - They were feasting on roast pork and dancing the Macarena while picnicking at Lake Moultrie on Sunday afternoon when a man in snorkel gear stumbled through the tree line, grasping at his left shoulder where his arm used to be.
Blood gushed from between his fingers.
'Call my wife, call my wife,' the man said through a snorkel mask.
Five nurses who were among those at the gathering quickly laid the man on the ground. They put ice on his wound, instructed him to take deep breaths and told him stories to keep him awake.
One of the picknickers, Jerome Bien, traced the bloody trail through the tree line and to the shore where he saw a pool of blood in the sand. About 25 feet out in the water in front of him, the eyes of a giant alligator stared back. The victim's arm remained clenched in its jaws.
'He was just smiling at me,' Bien said.
One of the worst alligator attacks in South Carolina's history had just unfolded, officials said.
At the Short Stay Naval Recreational Park, members of the Bicol Assocation of Charleston, of group of Filipino Roman Catholics, halted their picnic to help save the man's life. Paramedics showed up 15 minutes after the attack and stabilized the man until a helicopter could airlift him to the Medical University of South Carolina, where he was in critical condition Sunday night.
Department of Natural Resources officers showed up later and shot the 11-foot, 10-inch gator with a rifle. Officers cut the 550-pound carnivorous reptile open and removed the man's whole arm from its stomach. DNR officers bagged the arm and placed it in a picnicker's ice cooler and then rushed it to the hospital with a police escort.
'The arm, surprisingly, was not chewed up like you would think it would be,' said Bill Salisbury, Berkeley County Rescue Squad captain.
Officials identified the man as 59-year-old Bill Hedden of Summerville. Salisbury said doctors were still trying to decide if the arm could be reattached. A hospital spokeswoman said medical laws prohibited her from discussing specifics.
Officials ranked the attack as probably the worst in the state because there have never been any confirmed deaths from alligator attacks in South Carolina.
'To my knowledge this is the worst case scenario we've had in the state,' said Sam Chappelear, DNR regional coordinator
Officials believe Hedden was snorkeling at the time but no one saw the attack. It's anyone guess whether he surprised the animal or didn't realize it was there, Chappelear said.
'Basically until we talk to him, no one knows exactly what happened,' Chappelear said.
Bien said the man's arm was completely torn off.
'He was bleeding bad,' Bien said. 'His arm was clean off the socket.'
Reader poll
Will Sunday's alligator attack in Lake Moultie scare you away from the water?
- Yes. I will swim at the local pool for a while. 56% 484 votes
- No. I will just be more careful. 43% 380 votes
864 total votes.
Jo Masauding, one of the nurses who came to Hedden's aid, said he never lost consciousness even as blood drenched his body.
Salisbury said that before DNR agents arrived at the scene, they called and asked him to shoot the alligator, but all he had was a pistol.
A DNR officer showed up later and killed it with a rifle from about 25 feet away while it was still in the water.
Chappelear said the alligator is close to record size for South Carolina. There are some 13-footers, but sightings are rare.
'You hardly ever see one that big,' Chappelear said.
Tom Boyd, director of the park, said this was the first alligator attack they've ever had. About 200,000 people visit the park each year.
Reach Andy Paras at 745-5891 or at aparas@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
charleston (anonymous) says...
Horrible. Let this be a lesson to all of us that alligators are WILD animals and thus should be swiftly removed from community ponds and the like where they may choose to make a nest.
May God Bless Mr. Hedden with a full and strong recovery.
September 17, 2007 at 5:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
meemz (anonymous) says...
Unbelieveable! So many people, especially children, swim in that area. God bless the people who were there to help the victim, God bless the victim and his family.
Our family fished the Tail Race side all summer and would see 6-10 gators on any given day just floating- or whatever they do!
September 17, 2007 at 6:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mggoose2000 (anonymous) says...
It's my understanding that the alligator becomes very aggressive this time of year. I believe it is mating season.
A few years back, a young boy was eaten by a large gator in Florida. There was recently a bear attack in the Smokey Mountain National Park. Panthers are attacking and killing people in California and other western states. All the anti-hunters should take notice. When wild animals lose their fear of humans, this type thing becomes common place. We cannot remove humans from nature; therefore, man has an obligation to use control measures to keep wild animals, especially those that eat humans, in check. Hunting seasons and bag limits do that. Until recently, alligators were on the endangered species list. They've been protected from hunting for long enough. Florida is having it's first sanctioned hunt this year to cull some of the population because the citizens of the state have requested it. It's about time!
September 17, 2007 at 6:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kateanderikinnova (anonymous) says...
Trust me, I feel bad for the man who had his arm bitten off, I hope that doctors can reattach it and his life can resume to normal.
However, I am not so sure about killing the animal. Yeah, I know, they needed to kill the alligator to the arm out, but at the same time, this just goes to prove what happens with urban sprawl and building on the animals habitat.
FYI - it is not mating season for alligators, that happens in the spring - the babies are hatching now, and that is most likely why they are so protective.
September 17, 2007 at 7:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
prosperous_hb (anonymous) says...
God bless Mr. Hedden. He will sure will have a hell of a story to tell to his grand kids.
September 17, 2007 at 7:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
teeitup (anonymous) says...
I've never heard of an alligator coming into someones home and attacking them. We invade their habitat
September 17, 2007 at 7:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CADguy (anonymous) says...
Very unfortunate. If he was snorkeling, he was probably just floating or at slow swim. The gator probably saw a free meal that was dead, floating around. Better his arm than his head in the belly.
I will be surprised if they tried to reattach the arm because of the acid and bacteria in the stomach.
September 17, 2007 at 7:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MHA (anonymous) says...
The area where the attack happened is not one where people usually swim. He was attacked right in front of the Ashley Pavilion. I use the Short Stay area and boat ramp numerous times a year and have never seen anyone swim in that area until last weekend. Normally the area is covered in lilipads and is fished a lot. This gator has hung out there for years. The lake is about 4 foot low right now, so the lilipads are gone and a small beach like area now sticks out in to the lake. I hosted a company picnic at that pavilion last Saturday and turned around to see many of the kids at the picnic swimming off of that little beach. When I mentioned the gators, that moms got them out quickly. I'm not sure why anyone would snorkel there, its mud and clam shells. I'm thinking that the man may have been snorkeling for lures that have hung up in weeds in the past. There is a market for antique lures. This wasn't a nuisance gator. He did, however, live close to one of the pavilions and some camp grounds, so it's highly likely that people have been feeding this gator. kateanderikinnova is correct, mating season is in the spring. If you want to see a true gator spectacle, take a boat ride through the canal that runs behind the Lake Moultrie hatchery in the spring and you'll see literally hundreds of huge gators on the prowl for some lovin'.
September 17, 2007 at 7:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CADguy (anonymous) says...
After looking at the picture gallery, there is nothing for them to attach the arm with. The soft tissue is missing, not visible, for the first 6" inches or so.
September 17, 2007 at 8:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Nonsense (anonymous) says...
I thought it was in very bad taste for the newspaper to print a picture of this man on the front page - or on any page. Guess you will do anything to sell newspapers. I hope he sues the pants off of you.
September 17, 2007 at 8:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
prosperous_hb (anonymous) says...
MHA....I agree with you. I thought that little area looks familiar. I always wondered if an alligator was in that area. Do you know if gators are in the area of the boyscouting area?
September 17, 2007 at 8:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mac0cm4 (anonymous) says...
How horrible! I hope he recovers swiftly.
Nonsense - I don't see any legal standing on where he could sue. There was no damage done to the man. And from what I'm looking at here online it appears that newspaper has a warning graphic over it.
September 17, 2007 at 8:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MHA (anonymous) says...
prosperous_hb, I'm not sure where the boyscouting area is. Basically, if you're in shallow water and it's not a cleared beach, like the designated swim areas at Short Stay, Lion's Beach and Overton Park, than you're probably in gator country. The gators tend to stay out of areas that have heavy boat traffic and they won't venture into areas that have been cleared and have to weed cover. We swim, knee board, tube and wake board in the middle of the lake all of the time, but you don't see gators in the 35 to 50 foot water. They hang out close to sure, in the weeded areas.
As far as gator population, Florida is by far the heaviest, followed by Texas. Population doesn't really matter though, it only takes one to mess up your day. The overwhelming majority of gator attackes on people (53%) occur when people are trying to catch or handle gators. About 20% happen when people are walking in shallow water and another 20% when they are swimming or snorkeling. Gators are not normally a problem. It's when people act stupid (feeding them and swimming in gator prone areas) that problems arise.
Early, you said you have a place on Lake Marion. Well, you have a place on a lake that is full of gators. Kids shouldn't be swimming there. It's not over protection. If you wanted a place on a lake that people can readily swim in, you should have gotten one on a lake outside of the southeast. Let me guess, you don't like polar bears either and you own an igloo in Alaska? Your statement is just silly.
September 17, 2007 at 8:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carolinabeachgirl (anonymous) says...
This was a horrible thing to happen to anyone. However, as humans continue to over populate and encroach on habitats held by wild animals this type of situation will happen more and more frequently.
September 17, 2007 at 8:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Brant (anonymous) says...
Yikes! Hope he recovers.
September 17, 2007 at 8:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
This sounds like something straight out of a horror movie.
Unbelievable!
September 17, 2007 at 8:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lexylady (anonymous) says...
BRAVO, BRAVO, MHA. I COULD NOT HAVE PUT IT BETTER MYSELF!!
September 17, 2007 at 9:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LowCountryRooster (anonymous) says...
No one should ever swim on that side of Short Stay's peninsula. Gators have frequented that cove for years.
September 17, 2007 at 9:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Buddy (anonymous) says...
On Thursday September 13, 2007 -I live on the Ashley River in North Charleston. It was around evening and I had put my two German Shorthair Pointers out to use the bathroom
and 1 dog is missing-However they did not go in the water
they were in their yard and the other dog was going crazy
and barking. This dog that is missing never would leave his yard. We have called the Wildlife no response. I love nature and wildlife-However,We are getting over crowed with gators. I live were people swim, boat etc.
September 17, 2007 at 10:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kgoodson (anonymous) says...
I hope the victim recovers and I hope people will stay out of the lakes. Although this was a rare occurrence, there are many others hazards to swimming in lakes, including pollution and brain amoebas. At least 3 children have died in Florida from amoebas this summer.
September 17, 2007 at 10:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blondjes (anonymous) says...
i'm sorry but this guy is a moron, there is no way i'm going to be swimming anywhere in south carolina unless its in the ocean in shallow water, i know their are alligators around here!! and this guy did too! this is just another example of "only the strong survive" because this guy did not have the smarts and now his arm is gone, i feel bad for the alligator more then the guy, he was in his territory just trying to eat, and this guy is snorkeling his little heart out
September 17, 2007 at 10:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
kgoodson,If I'm not mistaken, a young boy died several years ago from contracting one of those amoebas out of Lake Moultrie. They say that he was diving in extremely deep water, and that they enter through the nose and work their way into the brain. It is extremely gross to even think about it.
September 17, 2007 at 10:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Diamondhead (anonymous) says...
It all boils down to assuming a certain amount of risk and managing that risk. If you enter into a lake to swim where gators reside or an ocean where sharks dwell then you are longer at the top of the food chain. This is not the first time something of this nature happened nor will it be the last. This gator did what is very natural to him whether to get a quick meal or defend itself to what may have been interpreted as a threat. We all like to be safe in a very dangerous world whether in the natural world or civilized world. We as humans will deal with this problem one way or another. I don't know how many times I wanted to jump into that lake for a swim but after seeing the size of some of those gators no thanks. The lesson here is when you swim with gators don't be surprise when you don't come out with all your body parts. I feel bad for this person and it's a hard lesson to learn but that's the downside of some of life experiences.
Just my 2 cents
September 17, 2007 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sc23 (anonymous) says...
Sounds like a lot of you know the area well enough to know where the gators are. Out of curiosity, and since I am not as familiar with the area, are there alligator "no swimming" warning signs posted where so many of you agree that the gators are? It seems to me that if it is common knowledge as to where so many gators are, there ought to be warning signs up to prevent such a catastrophe as this from happening. Granted, not everyone heeds signs. But an alligator warning sign would be enough to keep me away from that particular area...
September 17, 2007 at 10:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Nonsense (anonymous) says...
There was no warning on the front page of the hard copy paper this morning - guess we'll start calling you a tabloid, i.e., the Charleston National Enquirer.........
September 17, 2007 at 10:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bluebird (anonymous) says...
There are signs at Short Stay that says "beware of the Alligators". Just because no ones been attacked in a long time (if not ever) we let our guard down and the water looks so inviting. The guy just slipped on his snorkel gear and thought he'd be in and out. I pray for his recovery but once again will this story stop someone else from jumping in the water next week?
September 17, 2007 at 11:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
Swimming in a known gator pond is brilliant. He got off easy this time.
September 17, 2007 at 11:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LadyGator (anonymous) says...
Was he wearing Tennessee crap?
I hate that they killed that Gator. It was in IT'S home. We all know that there are wild gators in the area. (Heck, most areas, even the one in question, have posted warning signs.) We also know that there are sharks in the ocean. When we enter their domain, we enter at our own risk. How horrible that the animal must die because someone decides "It won't happen to me!" ... and then it does.
If you put yourself at risk, it's your fault and yours alone. I've told my family over and over that if I do something stupid (say, go swimming where I know alligators might be lurking or swimming in the ocean during dawn or dusk) and I get injured or killed that they are to make it known that I would NOT want the animal put down. Relocate it, put it in a sanctuary, something ... don't kill it.
My heart does go out to this man and I hope he recovers quickly. But it's still no ones fault but his own.
September 17, 2007 at 11:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LadyGator (anonymous) says...
NONSENSE wrote:
>
You were so shocked that I bet you headed strait to the photo gallery to see the other images. He has no grounds to sue. The owner of the photos gave permission for them to run. You can take photos of anyone at anytime. We had a man photographing my family as we came and went when we lived in an apartment a few years ago. We called the police and were told that he had the right to do so. Think of the paparazzi, too. I'm sure if Britney Spears can't sue after a photo of her hoo-hoo was splshed over the world, then these photos, while a bit graphic, are fair game.
Come on... these photos add emotion and detail to the story. Graphic? Yes? In bad taste, no. You see worse than this on the nightly news.
September 17, 2007 at 11:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bluebird (anonymous) says...
He really did get off lucky seeing as how no one helped him during the attack! It's a good thing that gator was too big to do the "death roll" on him!!!
September 17, 2007 at 11:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RL (anonymous) says...
I'm pretty familiar with that area. The two ponds are posted with gator warnings as is the primitive camping area that's located very near the area where this attack took place.
There are also signs prohibiting the feeding of the gators but a lot of people ignore them even though the Short Stay security enforces it.
That gator is probably the same one that lays on the bank of the large pond on sunny days. I've seen people take their young kids back there and have them stand very close to the gator for pictures. Now these are the idiots!!! I wouldn't call Mr. Heddon an idiot, but he certainly wasn't thinking correctly. I sincerly hope for his speedy recovery.
The large pond is right across the road from the Ashley Pavillion and I have seen that gator come out of the pond next to the culvert and cross the road. It then travels next to the fish cleaning station and through the woods to the area where the attack took place.
BTW, I've also seen a smaller gator in the cove at the swimming beach. The area was closed off by the lifeguards but the gator decided to remain under one of the lifeguard stands out in the water.
The Boy Scout camp is right around the corner from Short Stay, next to the Santee Cooper beach area. Trust me there are gators at all of these beaches.
Be careful out there!!!
September 17, 2007 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
LadyGator, even a blind squirrel gets a nut every now and then.
September 17, 2007 at 11:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
geekboy (anonymous) says...
I would swear I've seen the photo of the gator with the arm in its mouth somewhere else, long before this happened.
It's also odd that that photo is the only one without the time and date stamp on it, which is plainly evident on the other photos.
September 17, 2007 at 11:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
geekboy, does it look like one of those urban legend things to you?
A few years ago there was an article in The Moultrie News showing an alligator swimming with a goat in it's mouth. It was supposed to have happened at Cape Romain. Turned out that the photo actually was taken in a lake in Georgia.
These photos were supposed to be taken by one of the people at the picnic. I hope that they were all on the up and up. That would be a cruel joke.
September 17, 2007 at 12:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
darkwing_7 (anonymous) says...
I have dove in many areas around charleston that are populated with gaters and have never had any encounters! I wonder if this was a female with a nest near or if visitors have been feeding this gater. Most of the time these creatures only see humans as another big preditor- much like sharks- but if people have been feeding them they associate humans with food and that is a recipe for disaster!
September 17, 2007 at 12:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Spunky_Monkey (anonymous) says...
Was it REALLY necessary to post that poor man and that graphic photo on the front page of the newspaper???????
I think that was just A BIT MUCH!!!!!!!
September 17, 2007 at 12:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AB (anonymous) says...
I'm with you Spunky Monkey!! Sure, you can see worse on CNN or some other television station, but that's to be expected for the sake of ratings. However, the last thing I wanted to see this morning while having my bagel and coffee was this picture! What gives? Have we become that desensitized as a society? The headline alone told the story and brought much emotion out of me. This was just tasteless and tacky, tacky, tacky!
September 17, 2007 at 1:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dolphin3 (anonymous) says...
Our love, hearts and prayers go out to our family in this shocking time. We love you guys!
September 17, 2007 at 1:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
geekboy (anonymous) says...
Ya'll want some cheese to go with that whine?
It's not like you could see a bloody hole where they guy's arm used to be. All you can see is a towel with some blood on it.
With as much as is going on in the world, THIS is what some people decide to whine about?? Unbelievable.
September 17, 2007 at 1:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Spunky_Monkey (anonymous) says...
well geekboy, I think you should just get a heart and soul. Imagine that were one of your family members plastered across the local headlines????????
Sounds like you wouldn't care though...especially if you could make some coin out of the situation.
I don't think anyone's whining about that graphic pic. I'm certainly not, I merely made a statement. I found it uncalled for and stated so. =p
And no, that's not an urban legend photo. The same thing happened elsewhere a few months back as I remember seeing the gator photo on the CNN site & showing it to coworkers. So this is, sadly, another encounter.
September 17, 2007 at 1:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
froggiebelle (anonymous) says...
Everybody thinks that the gator population needs to be controlled. Well, I think the human population needs to be controlled but I don't see anything being done about that. If the human population wasn't out of control and moving into wild animals habitat then it wouldn't be a problem. Personally, if someone came into my house uninvited I would protect myself and property any way I can. Gators and other animals don't have guns so they use their own natural-God given weapons to protect themselves and we punish them for that.
September 17, 2007 at 2:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dog (anonymous) says...
We should be allowed to hunt gators. I have four dogs who love to swim, but I can't let them go in Lake Moultrie because it is over populated with gators.
September 17, 2007 at 2:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
geekboy (anonymous) says...
Well there ya go. Thanks for the update, Paul.
September 17, 2007 at 2:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dbus (anonymous) says...
I will say first . .I know the area and even worked there. Where the man was snorkeling at has to be one of the worst place to tries. This wasn't directly in the open lake, more of a cove where wildlife do gather and live from gators to snake. This doesn't happen often at all and doesn't in less you are in the gator's home area. I do hope the man does make a good recovery .. also am kinda slightly sick of the pics that where posted. Again tho hope they guy will be alright, but he shouldn't of been in that area . .only person I know of who tried to swim there out of my years living here. Well this just made CNN and if you would like to see who took the pics he is the first man interviewed in the video. Just match up the credits of the picture to the name on the interview.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/09/17/gato...
September 17, 2007 at 2:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
riggins44 (anonymous) says...
I am with Geekboy. It should also serve as visual cue that you can never be too conscious of your surroundings no matter where you are.
September 17, 2007 at 2:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tater_salad (anonymous) says...
LadyGator-
I can't understand how you can be so naive and blissfully ignorant. I don't know where you grew up or how you got this far in life with your topsy turvy sense of nature.
I guess where you live now, there was no wildlife, so you are safe. I guess where you live is FANTASYLAND!
You live in an area where real South Carolinians braved the wild and tamed this land, and made it habitable for human existance. Part of that is killing dangerous animals and sometimes, eating them.
People with your out of reality view of the world need to get a hard dose of reality. Get a grip. Get a life.
Getting bit is his fault? BS.
We do need to allow gator hunting to thin the population. There are WAY too many.
By the way, please put a tag on yourself so I won't hurt something that is trying to kill (killed) you. We certainly want natural selection to take place and thin your genes from the pool.
September 17, 2007 at 2:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dbus (anonymous) says...
I will say something on that tater. First yes . .go up to Short Stay and look where this guy was swimming .. I know you would never think to swim there nor anyones else (tho I don't know why this guy has). Out of all my years living here I only heard of two gator attacks in this area . . and both where in a spot where gators would live. I also haven't heard of a human death from a gator attack here yet as well. This guy was in the home area . .just like if someone you don't know came in your home. Go find something else to shoot sir.
September 17, 2007 at 3:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mggoose2000 (anonymous) says...
Rumor has it folks that that the man was "noodling" for catfish. My brother and I do this around boat docks and ramps and under large boulders along the dikes. We've been around gators during this activity, but never been attacked. I can't say I've ever seen on that was that large where we frequent. Must have come on the nest or new hatchlings.
September 17, 2007 at 3:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
knightsville3 (anonymous) says...
I want to praise the actions of the nurses in attendance. What a great job they did. Just goes to show a nurse is always on duty and always willing to help. Way to go ladies!
September 17, 2007 at 3:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bhippey (anonymous) says...
Don't go swimming or snorkeling in a lake where people have seen alligators. DUH. I think it's absolutely stupid that people feel sorry for this man. I think he's stupid. It's funny how people blame animals for attacking people in their natural habitat. I think it's ridiculous that they killed this allgator just to get the arm back. I bet they aren't able to reconnect it.
September 17, 2007 at 3:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dbus (anonymous) says...
I do praise the nurses . .funny thing is one of the guys in that group was the one taking the pictures. .. . with how low the lake dropped here I'm surprised there is water on that side.
September 17, 2007 at 3:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
geekboy (anonymous) says...
There wasn't enough of her left to photograph, Nancy. :p
By the way, I keep seeing and hearing how a 13 foot alligator is "extremely rare" in South Carolina.
Whomever believes that needs go out to Cross and have a look around. Or go to the Hatchery and take a boat back along the dike that parallels Highway 6 and have a look around.
They ain't rare.
September 17, 2007 at 3:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
Someone just told me that it was on the radio that there was evidence in the gator's stomach that humans had been feeding it.
People need to realize that these are not cute little pets begging for scraps.
September 17, 2007 at 3:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
bhippey, would you feel that way if a gator snatched your toddler?
Regardless of this man's lack of judgement I can't believe that some people are so heartless.
Don't kill the poor gator! I guess they have feelings, but this man and his family don't?
September 17, 2007 at 3:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
geekboy (anonymous) says...
If he WAS catfish noodling, then he's just proven that stupidity sometimes comes with a very, very high price tag.
September 17, 2007 at 3:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dbus (anonymous) says...
I do feel for the mans family . .but they don't post "Beware of Gator" signs around for looks. Also if my memory serves me correct there is one where this guy decided to swim.
September 17, 2007 at 3:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RL (anonymous) says...
Those pictures should be posted on the signs that warn of gators and not feeding them. Maybe then people would understand what the words "Beware of Gators" really mean. A picture after all, is worth a thousand words!!!
September 17, 2007 at 3:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justathought (anonymous) says...
I think it is crazy how people are so eager to put one another down. They dont even care how the man is doing they would rather talk about how stupid he is for being out there. He made a mistake haven't you made one or two in your life??? I am terrified of alligators however I still enjoy wakeboarding every chance I get on Lake Moultrie. I stay away from the shallow water though. If an alligator were to get me I wouldn't want people talking about how stupid I was for having fun and enjoying life. People need to think before they speak. Otherwise, you are usually the stupid one. Grow up people, it is okay to feel bad for someone who made a bad judgement that cost him dearly.
September 17, 2007 at 3:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fonts26 (anonymous) says...
ok yeah it's sad the guy got his arm bitten off, but he wasn't snorkling in the swimming area. He was back by the trees in the campsites. You can see gators all the time over there. I know this personally because I go there all the time. So in my opinion, he was stupid for snorkling over there..
September 17, 2007 at 3:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dbus (anonymous) says...
I wouldn't say anything unless I knew the guy was ok first. Let me put it this way . .if someone was doing a stupid stunt and unfortunately died from it . .. you would morn them for being a great person that was smart and bright? The man is .. trying to say how to put it . .in critical yet stable condition. They are going to try to reattach his arm. He will live.
September 17, 2007 at 4:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
I guess some people didn't read the update.
They were NOT able to reattach Mr. Hedden's arm.
September 17, 2007 at 4:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dbus (anonymous) says...
Ah I did not read that, but he still is going to be alright.
September 17, 2007 at 4:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justathought (anonymous) says...
I really feel for him. I hope he nevers knows the heartless comments that were made about his "stupidity". Poor thing, my prayers are with him.
September 17, 2007 at 4:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dbus (anonymous) says...
It's unfortunate but this is one of those things like if you hold your hand closed with lit firecrackers in it you should know what can happen. If this happened in an open area of the lake, it would be a different story. This area has been shaken up so much from a forest being knocked out to make a public beach that no one uses to havening the lake drop down at least 4 feet. You can't go in someones home that you shouldn't be in and expect to be safe especially with numerous warnings.
September 17, 2007 at 4:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
huntress87 (anonymous) says...
I have swam, and played out @ Lions BCH and SS (same place just different sides) and there are signs posted near the lilly pad area.. IDIOT for not paying attention..
I truly hope he gets well and realizes where he was is not a place he should be.
EVERYONE has been accused of getting to compliant where gators are concerned because normally not that aggressive.
HELLO Bushy Park anyone? full of em but on the weekends, normally they stay close to the marsh because of serious boat traffic.. occassionally you see a brave gator try to swim though.. people get back in the boats and move on..
WE have invaded their lands... so an occassionaly attack is something we are lucky... an occassional ATTACk...
September 17, 2007 at 4:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
Yes, he hopefully will be okay physically. Mentally and physically he has a long road ahead of him.
I pray for his emotional state and for his family as they help him through a long recovery.
September 17, 2007 at 4:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
prosperous_hb (anonymous) says...
I haven't not swam in any of the lakes because of these gators. They can have the water. I'll rather swim in a pool.
September 17, 2007 at 4:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JRA (anonymous) says...
I think most of us can see all sides to this situation. Of course it's always tragic when someone gets injured - regardless of what they're doing. However, people also have to be responsible, and held accountable for their actions.
The victim is from Summerville, so he should be familiar with SC lakes. But stupid? No, foolish perhaps, but like a previous writer said, everyone is foolish sometimes.
I do think making the animal pay with it's life was unnecessary, and unfair as well. What was he doing? We're forcing animals to fight back because we're pushing them into a literal corner - they have no where else to go. And maybe there are too many of them, but giving every yahoo with a rifle free-rein to cull the population, is not overly brilliant either....
The DNR can very efficiently and correctly reduce over-population of many species - they don't need Bubba's help.
Oh, and RTC? Your comment about a toddler getting snatched by a gator? That analogy is like sending your child out onto a firing range, and then being surprised when he gets nicked by a bullet...duh.
September 17, 2007 at 5:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
JRA, it was not an analogy. Look up the meaning of the word. I was simply asking bhippey how she would feel if this happened to her loved one.
It's a shame that some people would have sympathy for a creature that only knows 2 thing: eat and mate.
This was not an animal that is capable of feeling or giving love. It is simply a predator.
September 17, 2007 at 5:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JRA (anonymous) says...
FYI Dog - the world doesn't revolve around your dogs and where they can swim. I have several dogs that enjoy swimming too. Just take them somewhere else and quit whinning. The gators were here first.
Oh, and as far as over-population, it's really not relevent in this situation. It only takes one gator to eat a dog...
September 17, 2007 at 5:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JRA (anonymous) says...
RTC - thanks for the advice..I think I'll pick up one of those dictionary thingies when I get a chance. Up until now, I've just been slinging words together and hoping they make some kind of sense...
ha. seriously. I know what you're saying, and if you read my comment, you'll see that I have sympathy for all involved.
However, at some point, Mr. Hedden needs to own up to his part in this tragedy.
September 17, 2007 at 5:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jeannie (anonymous) says...
It was horrible to hear of the man being attacked, I hope he will make a full recovery, and I applaude the picnicers for helping him. I lost some respect for DNR several years ago, an alligator come up virtually out of nowhere, we live in the Macedonia community, if you know anything of Berkeley county you know there is no substantial body of water in this area, just small streams and "little" Wadboo. We live about 10 miles from "little" Wadboo, any way an alligator came up and started sunbathing in my sisters yard, when my brother-in-law called DNR, they told him there was nothing they could/would do because the Gator was not a threat, my brother-in-law asked could he dispose of the alligator and they told him definitely not that if he was caught he would go to jail, fined, and his gun confiscated. Another incident happened not with an alligator but with night hunters a couple of years ago, some people night hunting but they were hunting in the field behind my house (nothing planted) and once again DNR said that they have all right to protect their crop, funny I didn't know grass was crop and the last timed I checked hunting within 250ft of a house was illegal, but never the less buck shot still hit my home
September 17, 2007 at 6:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pygmon (anonymous) says...
The gator population in SC has been GROSSLY underestimated for years...just ask the SCDNR. I have fished the upper end of the Cooper River for 30 years. There are more HUGE gators in the river than I have ever witnessed at any time in the past. Get used to it...the SCDNR isn't going to make ANY kind of impact with 'controlled hunts'.
September 17, 2007 at 7:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LadyGator (anonymous) says...
To answer "Tater_Salad"...
"I can't understand how you can be so naive and blissfully ignorant..." Well, I was born and raised right here in South Carolina. My father raised me by himself, working 3 jobs to do so. On the weekends I was camping & fishing while my girlfriends were getting their nails done. But, pray tell, how am I the 'naive and blissfully ignorant' one? I am smart enough to know that a sign that says "BEWARE - ALLIGATORS" means that those waters just might not be the best place to go snorkeling.
"I guess where you live now, there was no wildlife, so you are safe." I have wildlife near my home that's more dangerous than an alligator.
"You live in an area where real South Carolinians braved the wild and tamed this land, and made it habitable for human existance." Let me guess, you're going to take credit for that, right? I bet my Dad could eat your persnickety butt for lunch. Heck, I bet my sister could.
"Part of that is killing dangerous animals and sometimes, eating them." That alligator wasn't dangerous. It was just protecting its home. I'm sure that you'd take out an intruder into your home. Would you walk around in front of a lion on the Serengeti? Why then is swimming in marked Gator areas no different?
"People with your out of reality view of the world need to get a hard dose of reality." Aw ... > are you offering to teach me about reality? I hardly doubt that someone who calls themself "Tater" could teach me much of anything, other than how to open beer bottles with my toes, but that's a different thread altogether.
"Get a grip. Get a life." This coming from someone named "Tater" who is sitting on their fat rump ranting about a story in the newspaper.
"Getting bit is his fault? B.S." Why, yes it is his fault. I was in an area just a little while ago that is known to be inhabited by alligators. It's a place my daughter and I go every so often to get some fresh air and some exercise. But we're smart enough to know that those "BEWARE: ALLIGATORS" signs aren't there just as photo props. And guess what? We still have all the body parts that the good Lord gave us. Common sense ... gotta have it!
"We do need to allow gator hunting to thin the population. There are WAY too many." Ahhh ... it makes sense now! You're one of those redneck morons who think that killing is a sport! How about this: DON'T. GO. NEAR. THEIR. HOMES. Is that too hard to comprehend? Or do you suffer from a self-righteous, I-should-get-what-I-want-because-I-am-human attitude outlook on life. Since you're so gung-ho to kill something, I suspect the later.
"By the way, please put a tag on yourself so I won't hurt something that is trying to kill (killed) you. We certainly want natural selection to take place and thin your genes from the pool." Aw, you're such a sweetheart! Now, go back to your pork rinds before they go stale.
September 17, 2007 at 8:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LadyGator (anonymous) says...
To RTC:
You wrote, "It's a shame that some people would have sympathy for a creature that only knows 2 thing: eat and mate." That describes about 90% of the people that know.
"This was not an animal that is capable of feeling or giving love. It is simply a predator." Really? Your scientific data for this being ... ? Have you EVER seen a female gator watching her nest or young ones? I've seen human mothers take much less interest in the wellbeing of her offspring.
September 17, 2007 at 8:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LadyGator (anonymous) says...
Well-said, NancyN!
September 17, 2007 at 8:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guitarmaster1195 (anonymous) says...
To anyone who thinks that the alligators are a threat and need to be removed/killed... Humans are not some super being that comes before every other animal. We are taking up too much animal habitat and animals that live there are becoming hostile, protecting their territory.
Fine, if you think we should go kill all the alligators, next time you get to close to me or bump into me should I "have you taken care of"? No...
Alligators have lived since the dinosaurs and have done so for a reason. If stupid people (the number of such obviously growing in size due to the blatantly ignorant posts about this article) were allowed to make major decisions, I guarantee that the world would be in a state of ruin and war with the majority of plants and animals extinct.
Oh, I feel threatened. Let's just kill everything that makes me feel that way... If you read of someone getting attacked by an animal, it is almost never the animal's fault. It is usually the stupidity of the victim.
If it were up to me I would refuse medical help to anyone who was injured due to their own blatant stupidity. Ever heard of natural selection? Those that are unable to survive/reproduce die out. The only reason there are so many stupid people alive today is because the human race has prevented that through life saving measures.
Long story short, they were here first. If you don't like it, move to a big city or somewhere where you can feel safe, but in reality probably be at a larger risk of death through murder by your own kind...
September 17, 2007 at 9:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
LadyGator, that is not love, it is instinct.
You know what? After I posted about the eating and mating thing, I actually started laughing. I do know some people like that.
BTW- did you realize that my comment about the squirrel had nothing to do with this article? Just some friendly Gator/ Vols rivalry.
September 17, 2007 at 9:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LadyGator (anonymous) says...
:D I suspected it. But, come on, RTC .... you're not a Vol are you?
The series is just about even at this point, isn't it? But come on, the Gators have taken six of the last 10. (We've taken the last 3 in a row! WOOT!) But, yeah, those Gators are the ones about which I'd much rather be talking.
SEC football rocks!!
As for instinct, what is parental love if not instinct. Heck, many women call it the "maternal instinct." I've always told people that I have "momma bear" syndrome (you don't mess with my kid) ... I might have to start calling it "momma gator" syndrome. It's true and works on two levels. ;)
September 17, 2007 at 9:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LadyGator (anonymous) says...
I love you, guitarmaster1195!
September 17, 2007 at 9:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
LadyGator, I'm a born and bred South Carolinian too.
It's just easier to root for a team outside of SC, because of growing up with the Clemson/SC rivalry being shoved down your throat. I'm sure you know what I mean. Yes,SEC does rock! My kids got their old lady hooked on football.
I grew to like the Vols after vacationing in TN for so many years. But, hey, I admire the Gators too.
I also grew up hunting and fishing with my dad and brothers. My dad always used to tell us to respect wildlife, because we were in their territory.
I just really feel bad for this poor man because of his severe injury. I'm sure a lot of people will learn from this.
September 17, 2007 at 9:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LadyGator (anonymous) says...
I feel really bad for this man, too, don't get me wrong. However, I abhor the folks that blame the alligator for the attack. This man did something stupid and the ramifications will last the rest of his life. But at least he still has his life ... unlike the alligator who was simply protecting its home.
I have links to Gainesville, so we pretty much grew up Gator fans. But, I adore Steve Spurrier, so I also root for the Cocks, especially after Corso's asinine comment. At least you're an SEC-er. Best damned conference in the land!
September 17, 2007 at 9:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
underhay (anonymous) says...
pork rinds cannot go stale. i think pork rinds start off stale.
September 17, 2007 at 9:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rsmith1 (anonymous) says...
First off I'd like to say that Bill (victim) was one of the nicest guys I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. As a co-worker and a personal friend I can't think of a better person. Bill has given more to the youth and the job hungry with his generous contributions to some local training here in the low country than any of you could imagine.
Bill was also a trained diver and spent plenty of time snorkeling and diving for artifacts; it was one of his hobbies. Bill was probably doing the same thing in the same spot as he probably has done many times and lost track of his location.
It could happen to any of us, I look at how many people I see weekly skiing in the Goose Creek reservoir. People know that it is Gator infested and many people do it anyway, why do they do it? Because people do it everyday and don't get bit.
People invade the Gators territory? Wake up, how many dead animals do you see lying on or beside our roads everyday. Oh but that don't take a man's arm off so it's ok......
Bill and his family are in our prayers everyday, and I hope that he comes out of this and goes back to being the same person that he always was.
And for the people who have made the comments above.... Hope that this never happens to you, but keep in the back of your mind that if nothing is done to control the Gator population around here YOU could be next.
September 17, 2007 at 10:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BreezinIAm (anonymous) says...
If any of us need a reminder of just how fast these stealthy eating machines are, see this video ... alligator attacking a raccoon at a fairly clear (non-weedy) lakefront behind an Aussie family's house in Florida.
Dogs, toddlers ... hope it goes without saying. Keep them safe.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=JRbwOEFYtmA
September 17, 2007 at 10:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
preachlove (anonymous) says...
Great job, Nurses! You are to be commended for a job well done. Mr. Hedden was definitely blessed to have you ladies around.
September 17, 2007 at 10:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LadyGator (anonymous) says...
Geechie:
No. 1: The guy stupid to dive in an area known to be inhabited by Gators. Heck, the area has a posted warning. If I do something stupid that causes me injury, I won't expect everyone to be crying over my misfortune. Heck, I'll be calling MYSELF an idiot. And I thankful he got hurt? No. Do I wish him or his family ill-will? Of course not. Do I think he did something utterly stupid? You bet.
No. 2: You said: "I also find it disrespectful that you turn a Thread about a man being seriously injured into a football Thread talking about Spurrier, Florida Gators, Clemson, and Tenn, etc. and some others."
It's called conversation. But, take your pick -- we'll talk about his stupidity or something way more interesting ... like THE Gators chomping & stomping Tennessee over the weekend.
September 18, 2007 at 12:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LadyGator (anonymous) says...
And furthermore, Geechie, you said that "You should all be praying for the man for a speedy recovery and that he will be able to carry on as best he can under the circumstances that befell him."
Who says that we're NOT praying for him? My heart goes out to him and his family, but I still think that his negligence caused the incident.
And the "circumstances that befell him" ... huh? More like "the ramifications of his actions." This didn't happen by chance or fate. He was in a remote area known to be home to alligators, an area that was posted "BEWARE: ALLIGATORS" and he STILL went into the water.
September 18, 2007 at 12:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KK007 (anonymous) says...
I feel sorry for the guy, however he did do something not too smart. Gators are like humans in some ways . One is that they don't like intruders in their turf . There are lots of areas in the lake where you can swim safely. people who don't know alot about gators should do some research . The lake is their habitat not ours . Anyone who goes snorkeling near the bank around lily pads and other cover are just asking for it . I ran into a 10 footer a few years ago while duck hunting in a pond near the diversion canal . I was walking to the far end of the pond in chest waders with water about 3 to 4 foot deep. I saw something as I was walking that kinda looked like a gator's head in the water but I just figured it was one of the nunerous pieces of wood floating around until I came around a log pile right on top of it. I was within 15 foot of a monster gator and he knew I was there. It turned facing me and I was about to freak . Steel shot on a big gator would just tick him off so I froze . It floated up showing me it's back which looked about 3 foot wide ! I slowly backed away from it until I was 30 yards away then I took off like I had a rocket in my butt . I told a buddy of mine the story who happens to be a biologist . I was informed that when it showed it's back like it did that was a warning to get away . It didn't try to attack me or anything , he just let me know that he didn't want me there and wanted me to back off. I did just that ! I didn't go back and kill it or try to remove it. I was in his house . When you venture into the outdoors you are at risk for alot of things. Knowledge and safety are the key . Was this guy being safe ? Nope ! apparently not too knowledgeable either . Actaully doing what what he did was pretty stupid . The alligator was not at fault . Human error
September 18, 2007 at 1:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DByrden (anonymous) says...
Mggoose2000, it's not true that "we cannot remove humans from nature"
The truth is, we choose not to remove them. In fact we choose to allow them overrun nature.
Killing all the large animals is a solution to this problem, but please don't pretend it's the only solution.
Automobiles kill more people than animals do; would you allow "hunters" to go around shooting at parked automobiles?
September 18, 2007 at 3:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
baseballfireh (anonymous) says...
I feel bad for the guy...he lost his arm but he was probably "noodlin." Its where u put on a snorkel and mask and go under water to find the hole where a big catfish may be hiding. I think this guy accidentally found a gator instead. And i think that killing the alligator was wrong.
September 18, 2007 at 7:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
geekboy (anonymous) says...
Someone wrote: "It could happen to any of us"
It couldn't happen to me.
You see, I use this thing called "common sense" and stay well clear of areas and activities that might end up badly for me. Like being eaten by a reptile.
September 18, 2007 at 8:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kaylee (anonymous) says...
I grew up swimming & tubbing in the Edisto river & a lot of the other rivers and lakes around here. We had gators beside us floating down the rivers with us. They never bothered us. At night you can shine a light on the river and see nothing but red eyes from them. When they are mating or have eggs you dont go near the edges of the rivers. They don't want to be bothered. Spring & fall. Accidents happen. I pray for his recovery to be quick. If they are getting over populated something may need to be done.
September 18, 2007 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofsix (anonymous) says...
what about this story "Program aims to help people deal with bears" this is in Myrtle beach they are coming to us
September 18, 2007 at 3:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofsix (anonymous) says...
baseballfireh got a better way to get the mans arm from the gator maybe reach down and get it I am sure they didnt want ti kill it but that was the only way and fastest way to try to save the arm fruitless as it was they still had to try
September 18, 2007 at 4:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
extremele (anonymous) says...
My family just spent a week at Short Stay (50 of us), and have been there many times before, we just love it. We have always known about the Gators and respectfully visit them at the Pond. After seeing this article, we will simply be more cautious when in and around the lake. It has not changed my view as to the safety or beauty of this location.
I would like to be more clear as to the location of the attack, was it in the Pond or back in the Cove where the sail boats are anchored behind the boat dock?
September 19, 2007 at 11:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
schivah (anonymous) says...
Ok, even though many of you who posted may not still be following the thread I though I'd clarify a little. He was swimming, for excersize, not noodling, or looking for artifacts. It was in the cove about 100 ft left of the boat ramp. Not in the little lilly pad covered pond. The sign warning of gators however, that everyone keeps seeing, is by the pond. To the best of my knowledge there is not a warning sign posted there nor has there have ever been the need for one. To those of you who thought killing the gator wrong, I would generally agree, but in this case they were recovering the swallowed the arm. What would like them to do? Induce vomiting? I have been going to Short Stay for over 20 years & I have never seen an alligator around Short Stay in the lake proper. Sure, I suspected that there were a few smaller ones lurking about, but not a 12 footer. I think this was just an unfortunate accident of them crossing paths and I'm glad he was able to keep his wits, get to help and that the help he found knew what to do.
September 20, 2007 at 12:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pmitchell33 (anonymous) says...
the man shouldnt have been swimming in the alligators territory, that guy goin in his part of the lake is like someone breaking in your house....i mean come on...not everytrhing is the wildlifes fault...the alligator should have never been shot....he cant tell a difference between a human and a deer swimming in the same spot...point to be made, he should have been in his territory...i dont see alligators with air tanks!!! thats because they are suppose to be swimming in that water...not us!!!
September 20, 2007 at 11:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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