Submitted photoVolunteers at Coyote Hills with rescued horses they work with.

A group of local fellows bagged a huge alligator this week. One that appears to be the largest taken at Okatibbee Reservoir this season. The old beast measured 11 feet, 6 inches long with a belly girth of 48 inches. Here are some comments about the gator from Brian Bosarge.

“Kevin Lee and I were together when the alligator was shot with a Mathew’s bow using an Innerloc Gator Grapple Point. Under the circumstances, we were confident more help would increase our chances of a successful ending. We called in the rescue team, which included the Norman’s, Tatum’s and Haze.

The Norman’s and Tatum’s are from Florence and before last week, we had never met. They are great guys and were quick to come when we needed help. Had it not been for this quick reaction force, the outcome most likely would have not been successful. Before it ended, in addition to the arrow, it took two crossbow bolts, two hand-thrown snatch hooks, a snare and two .410 shotgun blasts to end the battle.

“The entire adventure was something none of us will ever forget. I guess the most amazing part of the story is that Haze made it from Mississippi State to Meridian, got a boat loaded onto an ATV trailer, unloaded the boat, and had to travel a long distance.

“At one point he stopped to call to get an exact location. Being in the middle of an alligator fight, no one could answer the phone. When he attempted to restart the engine the pull rope on the boat motor broke. Not having any tools, he beat the cowling off the boat motor with a paddle, so he could wrap the rope around the starter in an attempt to restart the engine. Since he was unsuccessful at restarting the engine, he began paddling, and made it to the location in time to join in. Unbelievable!”

Note: Haze is Brian Bosarge’s son and was at Starkville when a phone call alerted him of the ongoing alligator battle.

Bosarge continued: “Based on the scars and broken teeth, his last fight wasn’t his first.”

At one point the wounded gator sat on the bottom three and a half hours before resuming his fighting. He gave his captors all they could handle, at one point almost climbing into and capsizing their boat.

Coyote Hills Equine Rescue

Coyote Hills Equine Rescue is a shining star hereabouts in the area of relief from suffering and life enhancing rehabilitation for horses in need. Opportunities abound for volunteering to help make lives far better for horses that have been removed from abusive or life threatening environments. Everyone who loves animals should visit Coyote Hills and learn what is happening there.

Best Bodies and The Veranda are raising money for the operation of Coyote Hills Equine Rescue. They are raffling off a spa day package that includes a manicure, body wrap, zumba, punch card and yoga punch card. Tickets cost $5 each and can be purchased at Best Bodies or The Veranda. Drawing will be held on Sept. 15. All money raised goes to Coyote Hills Equine Rescue.

For information about Coyote Hills, ask an associated volunteer or call 601-490-0655.