Drivers along I-95 near Jacksonville, Florida, witnessed an unbelievable scene. A barefoot man pulled a large alligator off the highway’s median. This unusual rescue happened on the I-95/I-295 Southside interchange, surprising passing motorists.
Mike Dragich, known online as the Blue Collar Brawler, fearlessly took action. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office shared a dramatic video showing Dragich handling the gator with a pole. He wore an all-camouflage outfit and no shoes. The rescue shocked many but ended safely thanks to quick teamwork.
The video shows Dragich approaching the agitated reptile. The alligator hissed and snapped while whipping its tail aggressively. Dragich carefully wrangled it toward the shoulder of the highway. Cars zipped past in both directions as he muzzled the gator. The man’s calm and control amazed viewers on social media.
Another responder helped Dragich lift the animal into the bed of a pickup truck. Someone off-camera could be heard saying, “Never in my wildest dreams.” Dragich laughed and cheered while securing the gator. His bravery didn’t go unnoticed.
Dragich later posted the same footage to Instagram, where he has over 380,000 followers. He joked in the caption, “Why did the alligator cross the road?” The clip gained widespread attention from wildlife fans and local residents alike.
A gator encounter on Florida highways isn’t unheard of. Alligators are common across the South. However, experts warn against approaching them. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges people to stay away from wild gators. Even small alligators can pose danger if provoked.
Always remember: don’t wrestle an alligator barefoot—leave it to professionals. Wildlife officials stress the importance of safety near potential gator habitats. Feeding or touching wild alligators is illegal and dangerous.
Although Dragich acted bravely, don’t wrestle an alligator barefoot unless you’re trained. Untrained people should call wildlife authorities if they spot a gator near roads or neighborhoods.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, and other agencies worked together on the rescue. Officials have not yet commented further. Still, the internet can’t stop talking about the wild footage. It’s not every day you see a fearless man dragging a gator off the highway.
So next time you see a giant reptile crossing the road, remember—don’t wrestle an alligator barefoot.
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