HOLY CRAP Dept: 12-foot, 475-lb alligator killed on N.C. coastal highway

[Bossy Monkey]

12-foot, 475-pound alligator killed on N.C. coastal highway

The Associated Press

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. - A 12-foot-long alligator killed by a motorist on a coastal North Carolina highway weighed about 475 pounds, forcing officials to use a large excavator to remove the reptile.

The American alligator was about 85 years old when it was struck late Monday night along U.S. 17 in Onslow County, state wildlife officials said. The reptile was removed by state Department of Transportation officials Tuesday.

"For this alligator to be the size it was, it's obviously been here a long time, and this is the first time we've known about it. That says something," said Sgt. Charles Smith, a law enforcement officer with North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

The motorist, who wasn't identified, was unharmed.

(one more paragraph)
http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/myrtlebeachonline/15621774.htm

[_testify_]

1. How the fuck do you not see something that big?

It's not an armadillo or possum. It's something that dwarfs Shaquille O'Neal.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

4. 'Gators can move faster than a lot of folks think...

And they aren't exactly what people expect to have to watch out for, roadkill-wise.

[Haole Girl]

2. Thought this deserved a pic! (*warning-graphic*)

http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/myrtlebeachonline/news/local/15621774.htm

[_testify_]

3. Whoa

He was a big boy. That's too bad.