Man vs Wild: Barefoot person in US tames Giant Alligator in Interstate Showdown. Watch video

The motorists on Interstates 95 and 295 near Jacksonville, Florida, were treated to an astonishing and surreal sight on Sunday. They saw a barefoot man grappling with a giant alligator in the median of the busy road.

However, the unusual spectacle was neither a prank, nor a stunt gone wrong. It was a genuine wildlife rescue which was led by Mike Dragich, known online as the ‘Blue Collar Brawler’. Mike is a veteran, mixed martial arts fighter, and licensed Florida alligator trapper.

Reportedly, he has become something like a folk hero in the Sunshine State for his daring alligator wangling.

Alligator rescue video goes viral

In a video shared by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Mike can be seen in camouflage shorts and a sleeveless shirt. He is seen expertly using a pole to subdue the alligator as traffic speeds past on either side, stated a USA Today report.

A barefoot Dragich sat on the reptile’s back at one point to tape its mouth before lifting it into the back of a pickup truck. He enlisted help from a responder.

Off-camera, someone can be heard saying that they never imagined seeing the sight in their wildest dreams.

However, this is not Dragich’s first viral encounter. He has previously removed a gator from a Jacksonville school campus and is known for his barefoot bravery. His social media profiles, followed by over 300k people, are filled with clips of him catching gators, sometimes using only a trash can.

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Mike Dragich uses social media to promote his non-profit

Mike makes use of his position to advertise Project Saviour Outdoors, a nonprofit organisation. They organise outdoor retreats for military veterans to prevent suicide. His background as a Marine veteran drives his advocacy for mental health and healing through nature.

He recently made a post showing an Easter Sunday capture captioning he was taking the trash out in Florida. The photo involved a bare-handed effort to corral a gator into a bin.

Alligator safety in Florida

Alligator encounters are not rare in Florida, particularly during spring and summer breeding season. Although attacks are rare, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends standing at least 30 feet away and never trying to touch an alligator.

Call the FWC Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286) to report any aggressive or bothersome gators you come across.

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FAQs

Q: Who is the barefoot man caught wrestling the gator on I-95?
A: He is Mike Dragich, a Florida-licensed alligator trapper, Marine veteran, MMA fighter, and Project Savior Outdoors founder.

Q: Is it safe to approach or touch an alligator?
A: Not at all. Officials encourage people to keep at least a 30-foot distance and report any alligator which seems threatening or is in an abnormal location to the FWC.