Johns Island gator wounded by an arrow in city park
By Brian Hicks
The Post and Courier
An alligator floats in a pond in Johns Island Park on Wednesday despite being wounded by an arrow.
JOHNS ISLAND — They ambushed him like cowards, shot him and left him to die.
But Big Al lived, and if he knows who shot the arrow at him, he's not talking.
He's no rat, he's a reptile.
This island community is abuzz with the mystery of who shot the 4 1/2-foot alligator — called Big Al by some locals — at the Johns Island Park. State officials are investigating this assault on the local wildlife, which, despite talk of a gator hunting season, is most definitely a state and federal offense.
Department of Natural Resources officials say they will prosecute.
For years, Al has lived peacefully in the pond behind the ball fields. Despite the sign that says "DON'T FEED THE ALLIGATORS," Al often enjoyed potluck lunches from picnickers, his dinner bell a couple of sharp claps from someone on the bank.
Sue Wilkinson was having lunch in the park Tuesday when she found Al lying on the ground, an Easton-brand arrow stuck in his neck. She thought he was dead and ran to get her digital camera. When she came back, Al was up walking around and quickly slipped into the pond.
"It is absolute cruelty," Wilkinson said. "He's just a baby."
Anna Martin, spokeswoman for DNR, says the state first got the report of the injured gator nearly three weeks ago, but when officers investigated, they couldn't find Al. It's unclear if there have been two gators shot with arrows, but they are assuming for now that Al is the only one.
On Wednesday, before DNR trappers arrived to catch Al, and maybe figure out if doctors can patch him up, the gator was lounging in the weeds at the pond's edge. The arrow in his neck stuck above the grass line, seriously affecting his ability to hide.
He took off for a swim, ignoring the turtles paddling around him. When one of the men on the park's grounds crew clapped, Al swam toward the bank. He got within about 6 feet, looked up, realized no one had any chicken for him and turned around with one graceful flick of his tail.
"I hope they can save him," Wilkinson said. "I don't know why someone would do that."
Reach Brian Hicks at 937-5561 or bhicks@postandcourier.com
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Comments
billyjoejimbob (anonymous) says...
No doubt in response to the arm incident last week. Let's remember the gators are in their natural enviroment.
September 27, 2007 at 2:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
proud2bme (anonymous) says...
This is definitely a cruel act and I agree with billyjoejimbob.
I am extremely concerned though about the fact this gator comes at the clap of someone's hands. I hope for its safety and the safety of the residents (not the idiots feeding him), the gator will be relocated.
September 27, 2007 at 5:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mggoose2000 (anonymous) says...
I'm a hunter and in favor of culling some of the gators in our lakes and rivers, for safety of the boaters and swimmers, but this is not the way! I've bought the required hunting licenses and tags since turning 16 (age state law requires hunting license). I don't poach and I have the greatest respect for the animals that I hunt. I eat what I harvest and gators have never been on my list. Idiots like those that shot this gator are giving all hunters a bad name. I'm not like this person and I don't associate with people like them. I hunt with ethical and respectful men and women and I certainly hope that all that read this understand that. We aren't all bad men and women without a heart or soul. If they catch this idiot, I hope the DNR prosecute him/her to the fullest!
September 27, 2007 at 6:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lostinterestfast (anonymous) says...
Like mggoose2000, I'm a hunter and fisherman...been both since I was very young. I started learning then to respect wildlife, nature and OUR environment. Those who committed this act are the same "Hunters" who firelight/spotlight deer, take more than their limit (both hunting & fishing) and waste what they do take. I hope the authorities catch those responsible for this and punish them to the full extent including permanently revoking their hunting/fishing privileges and prohibiting them from EVER being able to purchase or own another weapon.
September 27, 2007 at 7:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realman (anonymous) says...
no one has been caught yet, but i would bet my bottom dollar that he was attacked by some kids. this has all the markings of juvenile behavior. "hey! let's go to your house and get your bow and arrow and go gator huntin'!"
September 27, 2007 at 7:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bhippey (anonymous) says...
LEAVE THE ALLIGATORS ALONE. Holy Crap. What the hell is wrong with people??? Damn rednecks.
September 27, 2007 at 8:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Brant (anonymous) says...
I'm not a hunter. I find the assault horrific and agree with realman. It's just too bad that Big Al isn't able to have any justice.
September 27, 2007 at 8:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
juniemoon1957 (anonymous) says...
Justice? Remember, God made all the animals before he made man. HE sees what we are doing. And for those of you that do not believe in God...you can rest assured that WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND. We may never know who injured AL....but THEY will get theirs. It's the law of nature and man is not excluded.
September 27, 2007 at 8:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WalkMan (anonymous) says...
This attack was senseless and unwarranted. The individual(s) responsible for the attack is/are guilty of a crime.
On a second note, "Big Al" is going to need to be relocated or harvested sometime in the future if people don't stop feeding him. He will become accustomed to human interaction and eventually be labeled a "nuisance" alligator and he will be killed.
September 27, 2007 at 8:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WalkMan (anonymous) says...
If you like "Big Al" leave him alone.
September 27, 2007 at 8:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCMomof2 (anonymous) says...
I agree that what was done to Big Al was out of pure meaness, BUT it will only take him attacking one person and then no one will hesitate to shoot him dead and then mount his head on a plaque like a pastime souvenir. This is not a feel-good story to give us warm fuzzies over a harmless neighborhood pet. When will people realize that alligators (like every other WILD animal) can never be domesticated and therefore deemed harmless? Don't feed them! LET THEM BE IN THEIR OWN NATURAL HABITAT! I realize the point of the story, but then to read on that people clap from the bank to feed him- that needs the coverage so that it can be stopped.
I do agree that those who did this need to be taught a lesson. The gator was not obviously bothering them and was in his own territory. It's called RESPECT for nature and its occupants.
September 27, 2007 at 9:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MtP (anonymous) says...
bhippey: Do you really think a redneck did this? Most "Rednecks" are professional hunters!
September 27, 2007 at 9:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bhippey (anonymous) says...
MtP: True, I forgot they are born with a prfoessional hunting gene. Lol
September 27, 2007 at 9:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bhippey (anonymous) says...
Plus, they use shot guns, real huntin' gear.
September 27, 2007 at 9:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
idennis (anonymous) says...
Find the spineless cowardly culprits.. try them and sentance them to stand on the bank, clap their hands then jump in... Let Big Al handle the rest...
September 27, 2007 at 9:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justmyopion (anonymous) says...
Sorry bhippey but this has nothing to do with "danm renecks" it has to do with cruelty, brutality, malice and just plain heartlessness. Because these are the type of people we read about and ask ourselves what is happening to the world today???? I agree with mggoose2000 & lostinterestfast. There is a big difference between respecting wildlife and just being a cruel (waste of space) human being that needs to taught a lesson
September 27, 2007 at 9:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bhippey (anonymous) says...
I agree justmyopion.
September 27, 2007 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoolander (anonymous) says...
The person who did this will get caught by opening their big mouth. Its just a matter of time. Too bad this person wasn't the one who lost their arm.
September 27, 2007 at 10:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sheeple (anonymous) says...
Rednecks? Sounds more like suburban teenagers. More money than sense.
September 27, 2007 at 10:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoolander (anonymous) says...
Steve Irwin's ghost will come and haunt this person.
September 27, 2007 at 10:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realman (anonymous) says...
bhippey is a bigot towards so-called "rednecks". without any evidence, he automatically assumes a "redneck" shot the alligator. he loves labeling and bashing a culture different from his own. it's this type of intolerance that causes misunderstanding and fear and hate. makes me sick.
September 27, 2007 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justme2 (anonymous) says...
bhippey,
what is wrong? Why the name calling with a derogatory remark like that? How in the world would this story have anything to do with that kind of statement?
September 27, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justme2 (anonymous) says...
bhippey
You may not like it, but I suggested Removal. It is already causing anger. You are wrong!! Stop the hatred!!!!!!
September 27, 2007 at 11:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
realman, I vote that the term "redneck" should be given a proper burial just like the "N" word. It is an insulting form of terminology usually directed at the wrong people.
September 27, 2007 at 11:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blondjes (anonymous) says...
I agree bhippey, i'm from NY, i used to think all rednecks were the same, man was i wrong, many of them are very hard working, well mannered and most patriotic people i have ever met, i think it is very narrow minded to think they are all the same, i call my husband "my little redneck" he is from a little town in NC, he is so respectful, extremely smart, just a good person, (not to mention gorgeous) he also loves to go 4 wheeling, which was our first date, thats what intrigued me, i regular guy would have just took me to the movies, in my experience southern men are not as materialistic and have better manners
September 27, 2007 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bhippey (anonymous) says...
You automatically assume that I'm a he? Hahaha. And I don't care that you suggested removal of one of my comments. OOOOOH. Here's your cookie.
September 27, 2007 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blondjes (anonymous) says...
RTC, i'm not so sure about that, many people are proud to be called rednecks, do you remember the smash hit on country radio "redneck woman"?
September 27, 2007 at 11:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
My question would be is this a "clap on, clap off" gator?
September 27, 2007 at 11:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realman (anonymous) says...
"You automatically assume that I'm a he? Hahaha. And I don't care that you suggested removal of one of my comments. OOOOOH. Here's your cookie."
perhaps I stereotyped too. the stereotype being that women are kinder and more open-minded towards others than men are. with your bigoted, narrow-minded statements, i thought it unlikely that you were a woman.
September 27, 2007 at 12:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realman (anonymous) says...
and it seems others agree with me. you really need to look at yourself in the mirror, bhippey, and do a little "soul searching". hate is not a good thing.
September 27, 2007 at 12:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ThePhink (anonymous) says...
Justme2: I may not agree with hippey but to suggest removal of a comment that you do not agree with is childish. This is an open forum and if you get your feelings hurt that easily try going to playhousedisney.com or one of them websites.
I feel it was probably pre-teens or teens. At that age they only think about the now. They probably didn't even realize they were breaking the law until after the fact. When caught they should be punished. If it was an adult that done it then give them a hefty fine a some jail time as the knew better for sure.
September 27, 2007 at 12:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
I prefer to call them "good old boys", as they surely will be there for you if you need help. If you get stuck in the mud somewhere, they will come and pull you out without asking for a dime.
I definitely believe that teenagers did this, and I hope that anyone who does this type of thing is heavily fined.
It was mean to harm an animal just for kicks.
September 27, 2007 at 12:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mggoose2000 (anonymous) says...
bhippey,
Like a lot of southern men, I'm often classified as a "redneck", but you should know something else about me; I'm a real southern gentleman, so, that said, I won't tell you what I think of you. You can use your imagination which seems to work real well.
September 27, 2007 at 12:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justme2 (anonymous) says...
thephink
This is a free forum but we are also free to Suggest Removal.
I am also very careful and selective about what watch or what sites I go to on the internet.
September 27, 2007 at 1 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
besttm (anonymous) says...
This is absolutely horrible and unbelievably cruel. I hope that they find whoever did this and prosecute them. I'm not so sure that the individual(s) that did this is/are the brightest light on the Christmas tree.
I am concerned that people feed the animal and that it will come to the bank to be fed. In this case, the animal should probably be moved not only for his safety but the safety of others. Feeding alligators will desensitize them to humans. There will come a time when it will come looking for food, but someone on the bank won't have any and then it will be the alligators fault that someone or thier pet got hurt or died and people will clamour for its death.
I take offense that someone would assume that the person(s) who did this is a "damn red neck." I guess it's just easier to categorize groups of people based on perceptions or personal beliefs.
September 27, 2007 at 1:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justme2 (anonymous) says...
Thephink
THe editor removes comments that are offensive or racially or radically inclined. In order to be removed, more than one person have to Suggest Removal. I am free to do that or is that a problem with you? I noted that you are the only one that is taking offense, so far.
September 27, 2007 at 1:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
singleroni (anonymous) says...
oh i get it now - it makes sense bhippey = big hips
September 27, 2007 at 1:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coshea (anonymous) says...
Why would someone do that? Gimme a break...b/c for the most part people suck! In general they have no respect for wildlife or the environment.
September 27, 2007 at 1:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ThePhink (anonymous) says...
And from what I can tell there is really nothing offensive there. Only in your eyes. If you are going to be offended by someone calling someone a redneck then you are in for a unhappy life worrying about what others are saying or doing instead of worrying over something that is actually important.
Finding the redneck that did this is important.
Worrying about someone being called a redneck isn't.
I may not hunt but my necks does get a tad red if I play too much golf in the summer. He could be talking about me and I am not offended.
September 27, 2007 at 1:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
idennis (anonymous) says...
There's a little and in some cases a lot of "redneck" in all people from the south. Hippy you stepped in some deep kimshee here. But as you can see... we are "right proud" to be a little red in the neck.
September 27, 2007 at 1:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realman (anonymous) says...
"I take offense that someone would assume that the person(s) who did this is a "damn red neck." I guess it's just easier to categorize groups of people based on perceptions or personal beliefs."
besttm that is absolutely right. people like bhippey feel superior to working class folks and others, and feel a need to express that by stereotyping them and insulting them. it really is a shame that some people must attack others just to make themselves feel better about themselves. it's an ego thing, i guess.
September 27, 2007 at 1:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yeayea (anonymous) says...
I heard from an inside source that Big Al called the hit the other day at Short Stay. Police officials aren't confirming.
September 27, 2007 at 1:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
besttm (anonymous) says...
To ThePhink:
Actually, he is not the only one that is offended by the use of the term redneck since it is used in this case in a derogatory manner. I can think of numerous words in the english language that when put in various contexts are offensive and derogatory to others.
Insisting that the individaul(s) that did this is a redneck shows ingnorance on your part and only moves to perpetuate sterotypes.
September 27, 2007 at 1:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ThePhink (anonymous) says...
There are many, MANY other things to worry about than someone being called a redneck. I have lived here all my life and being called a redneck is in the bottom 1/10 of a percent of what I have to worry about.
Come to think of it isn't there a comedian somewhere who made a pretty good dime off of the redneck bit? Actually I think there are two. Both played the coliseum here. Did you guys get a protest group together and picket because you are offended and want to banish the word?
September 27, 2007 at 1:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WalkMan (anonymous) says...
Not sure about the kids theory. The arrow in that picture goes with a crossbow, not a traditional archery set-up. Relatively expensive piece of equipment and pretty darn hard to pull back.
September 27, 2007 at 1:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realman (anonymous) says...
thephink, how do you know the person that shot the gator is what you call a "redneck"? you use the term "redneck" in a derogatory way. how many real "rednecks" do you know? are they exclusive to the South, or can you find "rednecks" throughout the country?
the hypocrisy of some to talk against hate and bigotry and then to display hatred and bigotry toward "rednecks" is what is making people upset. why automatically assume that a "redneck" shot the gator? why not automatically assume that is was a yankee transplant?
it makes me sick that there are people that claim that they are liberal and sensitive when in fact they have no problem stereotyping others and casting dispersions on them. so hypocritical!
September 27, 2007 at 1:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CMLMADDOG (anonymous) says...
I hope they find the person who shot this gator and put an arrow into his/her/it's head.
September 27, 2007 at 1:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realman (anonymous) says...
thephink: "Come to think of it isn't there a comedian somewhere who made a pretty good dime off of the redneck bit?"
of course, but there have been black comedians who also made a pretty good dime off using the "n" word, but i doubt you use that word publicly at all. in fact, if you use the "n" word in any p&c forum, your comment will get removed. why? because it's simply not right to stereotype people like that. it is bigoted and narrow-minded.
September 27, 2007 at 1:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PRACTICEGOODWORKS (anonymous) says...
!!! Was Michael Vick in town???? This is the
southern version of that scumbag. Whoever did this - SHAME ON YOU. You disgust me.
September 27, 2007 at 2:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gcs (anonymous) says...
I don't think that it was such a fabulous idea to teach an alligator to come to the sounds of claps at a freaking BALL FIELD!!
I go to this park often to play softball & I think that there are more "Latinos" there then there are "Rednecks"!!
Go do some research!!
BTW - YES, I'm a "Redneck"!! Thanks!! :)
September 27, 2007 at 2:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realman (anonymous) says...
i'm sure bhippey has been back and read the posts condemning her bigoted and inflaming language.
it's simply not right to automatically accuse a particular group of something without any evidence whatsoever. it's just plain wrong.
i hope she's learned something from this.
September 27, 2007 at 2:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ThePhink (anonymous) says...
Redneck and the "n" word are not even close to being the same.
I believe I have seem bumber stickers with redneck. I have seen where they have the redneck olympics or redneck games. Never have I seen any of the above with the word you are referring to
Matter of fact you probably offended someone by using the "-" word. Everyone knows what you mean so you might as well of said it.
I don't go around calling people rednecks but if someone wants to call me a redneck because I was born and raised in the south then go ahead. It will not bother me one bit. I have been called many things that are far worse than redneck. Heck if those words didn't bother me then redneck won't either.
September 27, 2007 at 2:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoolander (anonymous) says...
Whoever shot that alligator should be treated the same as Michael Vick. Besides alligator are less dangerous than pit bulls. I was once called a red neck after I got a real bad sunburn.
September 27, 2007 at 2:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realman (anonymous) says...
the two words are similar because they both stereotype two different groups of people. there's no escaping this.
say what you want to, but my point is not so much that the term "redneck" is offensive (though it might be to some) but it's wrong to accuse a group of something without having any evidence whatsoever.
even if no one was offended by the use of the word "redneck" the fact that it was used in a disparaging manner is WRONG! don't you get it?
September 27, 2007 at 2:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realman (anonymous) says...
i may not be a "redneck" but i have several friends who would probably be considered "rednecks" and they would never think of illegally shooting a gator with a bow and arrow for the fun of it and leaving it for dead.
in fact, most so-called "rednecks" enjoy and appreciate and respect the outdoors more than most people!
September 27, 2007 at 2:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ThePhink (anonymous) says...
So now we have gone from not being able to call anyone rednecks because they might be offended but you have friends who call themselves rednecks and you agree with them? I am now lost for sure??
If redneck offends you then it must be because you consider yourself to be a redneck or at least participate in redneck activities (whatever they may be). How can this be?
I will say again that I didn't agree with hippey but never would be offended by the term redneck. Nor would I be offended by some yahoo (now would that be offensive also enough to suggest removal) who said they hope they find the redneck. I would not get tears in my eyes and run to the chatroom police to have it removed.
September 27, 2007 at 2:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoolander (anonymous) says...
I thought the article of discussion was about this poor alligator, not red necks. I goggled the word red neck and all that came up was a movie called Deliverance. What's that about?
September 27, 2007 at 2:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ThePhink (anonymous) says...
It was until someone was offended by the word and went running to the chatroom police because their heart couldn't take it. Now it has become the discussion.
Back to the gator.
Did Big Al really call for the hit at short stay? Maybe he was shot while trying to be apprehended. We already know how quick on the trigger they are in the city.
September 27, 2007 at 2:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realman (anonymous) says...
"I goggled the word red neck and all that came up was a movie called Deliverance. What's that about?"
it's about "rednecks" and homosexual rape.
"So now we have gone from not being able to call anyone rednecks because they might be offended but you have friends who call themselves rednecks and you agree with them?"
did i ever say anything about "rednecks" being offended, or about being falsely accused? you need to get off the offended thing and pay attention. this is about immediately assuming that "rednecks" shot this gator. do you think "rednecks" shot this gator? do you? if so, do you have any proof?
September 27, 2007 at 3:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoolander (anonymous) says...
I just read about Deliverance and it got a good review. Sounds pretty wacky but I still ordered it. Burt Reynolds was pretty popular back in the day.
September 27, 2007 at 3:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ThePhink (anonymous) says...
Realman: I never really said that a redneck shot the gator. I was quoting what hippey had said. I had already stated that I thought some young kids PROBABLY did it.
So in essence you are the one that needs to pay attention. Read ALL of the post and not just part of them.
I am done. Run to the chatroom police everytime you hear the word REDNECK and you will end up with finger cramps. If the rednecks don't get offended then neither should you.
Deliverance by the way is a good movie.
September 27, 2007 at 3:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MHA (anonymous) says...
The gator should never have been shot this way, but it DOES need to be removed and most likely put down. Any gator that has a dinner bell of human hand claps is dangerous. The Short Stay gator lived next to that picnic pavilion for years and, although I never witnessed it, I'm sure he was frequently fed by people that didn't know better or didn't care. Once a gator associates humans with food, they are not save anywhere close to civilization.
September 27, 2007 at 3:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
A poster mentioned a crossbow arrow. Why couldn't a burly teenager pull back on a crossbow?
Some of those good old boys are huge!
From Wickipedia:
Redneck, in modern usage, predominantly refers to a particular stereotype of people who may be found in many regions of the United States or Canada. Originally limited to the Appalachians , and later the Ozarks and Rocky Mountains, this stereotype is now widespread in northern states and the Canadian provinces. The word can be used either as a pejorative or as a matter of pride.
I thought it was a Southern thing, and people just didn't understand.
September 27, 2007 at 4:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
BTW,Geechie, Charlie the gator is still there. Someone told me that they saw him on the bank last week.
September 27, 2007 at 4:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
juniemoon1957 (anonymous) says...
I suppose I can be labeled as a redneck. I buy gas in this little country gas station. They sell the best hot dogs in town and have more rednecks per square inch than any other place in town. They have a small bar for sitting, eating,chewing tobacco,not drinking beer. Men/women hold the door for you. Make sure everyone is in line in order and polite that no one is getting in front of anyone. Everyone is polite. All of them have guns in the racks of thier pick-up trucks and huge big knives on thier belts. The chances of that place being robbed while you are in there is slim to none. I filled up there this AM. Ran into the man that towed my car last year. He remembered who I was. Also ran into my yard man which is where I picked him up three years ago to cut my grass. And he is black. Yes, they let black folks in as well. Lots of them but they all are respectful and curteous. Yes, I like the redneck place in town. I want to be one of them.
September 27, 2007 at 4:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
flowlow (anonymous) says...
Swim on, Big Al.
September 27, 2007 at 4:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CHRISJIII (anonymous) says...
Practicegoodworks: Michael Vick is from the state of Virginia. Last time I looked it was counted as a southern state.
September 27, 2007 at 4:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
OverHere (anonymous) says...
Could have been an accident. Or self-inflicted. Seriously is this front page news?
Tomorrow: Alligator's family responds to senseless act of violence.
Saturday: Alleged perpetrator "Big Al was eyeing my bow arm."
Sunday: DNR "Big Al should have been and will be removed and destroyed as nuisance gator."
Monday: "Big Al" honored at cookout where he is main course
Tuesday: Shooting of people in N. Charleston still largely ignored by Post and Courier
September 27, 2007 at 4:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AL4854 (anonymous) says...
zoolander - don't watch it, you will come to fear banjo playing in most hideous way.. ha ha!!
LOL@Overhere - very good point!
Some idiot thought he/she would shoot a gator and it wouldn't bother anyone. Shooting it b/c it's tearing off your arm, ok.. shooting it b/c it's minding it's own business and then not claiming you did it, stupid. It does sound juvenile, but that's not necessarily related to age.
September 27, 2007 at 6:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rollo (anonymous) says...
I was under the impression that it has been illegal for years to feed or otherwise interfere with gators in the wild. I hope DNR as a large enough net to catch all of those who've been harassing or interfering with this critter.
September 27, 2007 at 7:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
beemz (anonymous) says...
I assume the very same thing as well..yeah kill the gator if it attacks humans...but to just go in there wipe their ugly ass out is just not right.unless you promise me a gator purse with a matching pair of shoes,oh yeah, and wallet, and a belt to boost.other than that leave those ugly green or whatever color they are alone.....
beemz
September 27, 2007 at 8:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
my2centsworth (anonymous) says...
I haven't confirmed this yet, but Big Al was supposedly captured and killed by DNR this afternoon. Supposedly, they decided that since he was "trained to come to a hand clap" that he was en route to being a threat and a nusiance. I raise this question in regards to that- Why did it take 3 weeks for them to decide the alligator was a possible threat. Big Al swam out in the pond for 3 weeks with an arrow in his neck/shoulder and DNR didn't seem overly concerned about him/her. However, when a photo showed up in the hands of the newspaper, it was suddenly full speed ahead to get this alligator. I find it quite strange that this alligator was of so little concern for three weeks and once the public raises an eyebrow as to why this little guy was allowed to drift out there with this arrow buried in it's neck, they felt required to not remove the arrow and move the alligator, but felt inclined to kill the little creature. Add insult to injury, right? I think DNR has some serious questions that need to be answered, and so does the City because someone is out there in a public park where children play, where dogs run, where people fish, and they're shooting the resident alligator with a bow and arrow.It's probably not a regular bow, but surely a recurve, or a compound bow. Being that we don't know without doubt the shooters accuracy, and the true flight of the arrow, how can we be sure that your kid, your dog or YOU won't be shot, or killed. Who in their right mind takes a bow and arrow to a park?! No one. So someone is a danger to the public and an absolute menace to society. I hope the DNR won't procrastinate in finding the perpetrator of this horrendous crime.
September 27, 2007 at 8:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoolander (anonymous) says...
I was borded so I rented Deliverance and just got done watching it. That movie rocked Burt was the man back in the day. It didn't really represent red necks that well. Its wiered that movie came up on my red neck search. Jon Voight's caracter was about to be in some big trouble but Burt saved his butt. No pun intended.
September 27, 2007 at 8:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
my2cents (anonymous) says...
On the subject of the alligator; what happend to that creature is inexcusable. To wound an animal like that is criminal and inhumane. I hope that the people/person responsible for that act are held accountable. With that being said, all of those "animal lovers" that trained the alligator to come on command are equally responsible for that animal's ultimate destruction. The alligator should have been left alone by all. Also remember that this wild creature knows how to do only two things: eat and reproduce. If this alligator was in an area that has a high level of human contact, he should have been removed or destroyed a long time ago. I don't think anyone would think this alligator was so cute with your beloved pooch or worst yet a child dangling from its jaws. Nature and all things in nature deserve and demand respect. When that respect is not given bad things happen. Part of that respect means keeping boundries between us and interaction with wild things. An alligator doesn't belong in a park, subdivision, golf course or any other highly populated area and a person doesn't belong in the wilderness unless they know how to respect the land and the creatures that live there.
Just my 2 cents
September 27, 2007 at 9:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WalkMan (anonymous) says...
I don't think this was "surely" a recurve, compound or traditional bow. You see, all of those require a "nock." A piece that goes on the end of an arrow that allows it to attach or "clip" to the bows string. The nock on the end of the pictured arrow is more rounded and will not clip directly to the string. This arrow is going to have to ride along a slide and simply "butt" up to the string. Most common set-up for this is a crossbow. These things are shot like a rifle and usually cost a pretty penny. More importantly they are a "bear" to pull back, which usually indicates an older individual other than a small kid utilizing this. I like archery, but I don't like this, it's unethical (along with illegal). Everyone, including myself, loves to put in his or her 2 cents worth, but I actually hope this opinion helps narrow the search for law enforcement.
September 27, 2007 at 9:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
okihearya (anonymous) says...
Population is just growing way too fast. And if we keep bulldozing down all the trees and wooded areas, taking away all the wildlife habitat, we won't have any wildlife animals left in this world. Sad, cause they have nowhere else to go.
September 27, 2007 at 9:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
my2centsworth (anonymous) says...
You know... None of you are focused on the real issue here. The issue is not the fact that the alligator was in the pond. That's a given. He's been there for at least 10 years. The issue is not the fact that he came to the shore when someone clapped their hands. The issue is not anything to do with rednecks or a movie about them.
The issue here is that DNR KNEW about this guy for 3 weeks and did NOTHING! That's right. NOTHING. This is a contained pond, the alligator could not have gone anywhere... He was spotted easily, and since he was so "trained" as to come when someone clapped thier hands, I fail to see how they coudln't have caught this gator. They had no trouble catching the big guy that bit the man in Lake Moultrie and that is a huge lake! So stop and think a minute, please! Why did it take 3 weeks and then some to finally get out there and catch the alligator.And why did they immediately shoot it instead of relocate it... You can't tell from visual sight that an infection had set in. He's a reptile... I'm calling foul play.
September 28, 2007 at 6:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chrisbanks007 (anonymous) says...
In Phoenix we have an animal-loving, criminal-hating sheriff who would not have taken kindly to the suffering and eventual killing of this reptile. Al would have been the subject of every 6:00 news program. He would have been given a chance before he would have been given the death sentence. It's more likely that he would have been captured, treated and relocated. And the person who shot the arrow would have been hunted down and prosecuted. I am saddened by the fact that the SC game wardens chose the quickest and easiest solution to the problem. And if those people who feed the wild animals want to continue feeding them, they should visit the Grand Canyon where the squirrels will practically take your hand off for the handouts - it's illegal to feed the squirrels but at least we don't shoot them...
September 28, 2007 at 11:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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