Florida Man Engages in Awe-Inspiring, Barefoot Melee with Massive 10-foot Alligator Along Roadside
Laid-Back Florida Man Takes Down Monster Gator on I-95
Florida is known for its plethora of gators, with an approximate population of 1.3 million slithering around the state. On Sunday, a Marine veteran and MMA fighter Mike Dragich, 36, who's also a licensed alligator wrestler, decided to take on a colossal gator causing trouble on I-95, Jacksonville.
Dragich, nicknamed the 'Blue Collar Brawler,' showed up at the scene sans protective gear and shoes, donning just a camo sleeveless shirt, camo shorts, sunglasses, and a baseball hat. Approaching the gator fearlessly, the two went head-to-head.
During the intense standoff, Dragich, despite bare and unprotected limbs, attempted several times to ensnare the gator's neck with his catch pole. Initially, the beast thrashed and gnashed its massive teeth at Dragich, but he managed to snare its neck, drag it off the median, and onto the shoulder of the highway.
Once there, Dragich, now astride the alligator, pinned it down using his body weight and the catch pole. He grabbed the gator's jaws, lifted its head, and sealed its jaws shut with duct tape. Then, he used his catch pole to flip the alligator over and lift it into his arms with a Florida state trooper's assistance.
An average 10-foot-long gator weighs between 400 to 600 pounds, but the awe-inspiring video footage left viewers both amazed and slightly disturbed. Some empathized with the gator, while others admired Dragich's bravado: "Bro, that's crazy! I can't believe this man had the balls to walk barefoot in the median of a Florida interstate."
When alligators become a nuisance, posing a threat to human safety, pets, or property, trappers like Dragich are called in to capture and remove them. The animal becomes the trapper's property once caught, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulates this process. In most cases, the alligator is processed for its hide and meat, which is the primary source of compensation for their services.
According to the FWC, some trapped gators may be sold alive to alligator farms or zoos. However, alligator trapping remains a part-time, low-paying job in Florida, and trappers often rely on selling gator products for additional income. To become a certified gator wrestler, individuals must purchase an alligator trapping license and apply for the job on the FWC website. Professionals learn by hands-on practice and adhere to regulations to ensure safe captures.
- The news of Mike Dragich, a Florida alligator wrestler, taking down a monster gator on I-95 was quite sensational, showcasing his bravery and skill in the science of animal capture.
- As for his income, Dragich achieves some of it by the sale of alligator meat and hide, given that the regulations set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission allow trappers to do so.
- In the world of sports, Dragich, also known as the 'Blue Collar Brawler,' demonstrated his agility and presence of mind, managing to vanquish the colossal gator with bare limbs and insubstantial gear.
- The median income for full-time alligator trappers in Florida might not be striking when compared to professional athletes or scientists, but the thrill and adrenaline they experience during captures can be as impactful as the median income of a sports coach.
