A golfer named Matthew Proffit was finishing up a round with a group of friends at the Hilton Head Lakes golf course in South Carolina, but when they approached the 18th tee, they saw a sight that was as impressive as it was terrifying.
Two enormous alligators had their jaws locked in an all out fight, most likely battling over territory, given that golf courses are a great habitat for gators.
It’s not the first time we’ve seen two gators throw down on a golf course, and an Instagram account called ferociousplanet gave the below reasons why alligators are often seen on southern golf courses.
“1. Habitat/Water hazards – Many golf courses are built near water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and swamps, which can serve as an ideal habitat for gators. Water hazards also attract plenty of critters for the gators to feed on.
2. Warmth and basking – Alligators are cold-blooded, which means they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. Golf courses in warm, sunny regions provide ample opportunities for alligators to bask in the sun, helping them maintain their body temperature.
3. Human activity – Golf courses are often maintained and landscaped, creating artificial environments that can be attractive to wildlife. Additionally, the presence of humans can deter some of their natural predators and make golf courses a relatively safe place for alligators.”
Matthew Proffit spoke to Storyful about his experience watching these beasts go at it.
“They would lay still for a few minutes, with their jaws locked on each other, and then try to roll or shake… The fight went on for about two hours.”
I lived in Tampa for a few years and alligators were quite common there, but I never saw two fight each other, and ones of this size were rare.
To see these two dinosaurs fight is truly a once in a lifetime experience.