11-foot-long "King Arthur" Alligator was seen at a Golf Resort in South Carolina, and it had an Enigmatic Headpiece

A South Carolina alligator was discovered with an unusual item on its head, prompting wildlife experts in Georgia to be summoned to investigate the matter.

The University of Georgia Coastal Ecology Lab shared a Facebook post about an impressive 11-foot-long alligator, affectionately named King Arthur, earlier this week.

The lab received a recent inquiry regarding a “dominant male alligator” spotted wearing a peculiar contraption at Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort in St. Helena Island, South Carolina.

“After conversing with them and examining the images they provided, it became evident that this alligator had managed to become trapped with a tomato cage covering its head!” the lab reported.

The staff at the UGA Coastal Ecology Lab advised against any human intervention initially, as animals have the ability to free themselves after becoming trapped in an object.

“In situations like this, it is important to closely monitor the animal’s behavior and progress in freeing themselves from the object,” the lab explained.

It appeared that the alligator’s eating ability could have been affected, but within 2 days, he managed to break part of the cage and free his head. However, it remained securely fastened around his neck.

After a few days, the researchers in Georgia decided to take matters into their own hands – with assistance from the resort’s head naturalist.

“Given the circumstances, there was genuine concern that he might become entangled in something underwater and face the risk of drowning if he couldn’t free himself,” stated the Facebook post. “Due to the circumstances, we concluded that human intervention was required.”

Following their journey to the Palmetto State, experts successfully freed the reptile from the tomato cage that had been stuck on its head. It was quite a challenge, given the cage’s placement in an area typically frequented by alligators.

“After multiple attempts, the UGA Coastal Ecology Lab successfully captured an 11′ 2″ male and safely removed the tomato cage,” reported the UGA Coastal Ecology Lab. “Now that he is liberated, he can confidently resume embracing his optimal alligator lifestyle.”

The origin of the alligator’s entrapment in the metallic object remains uncertain. According to the UGA Coastal Ecology Lab, it is believed that the alligator broke through the tomato cage while passing through a pipe during its swim.

“This serves as a compelling reminder of the significance of responsibly disposing of waste,” stated the lab.

“This incident is just one among several instances where animals have faced complications due to the improper disposal of waste.”

Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort showed appreciation to the wildlife experts on Facebook for rescuing the gator and expressed gratitude for their assistance with “our beloved King Arthur!”