Orange Alligator Nicknamed 'Trumpigator' Found In South Carolina

Residents spotted a mysterious orange alligator early last week near a pond in Hanahan, South Carolina, but they have no idea where it came from. Neighbors claimed they had seen the orange-colored alligator numerous times.

The gator, which was nicknamed “Trumpigator” by local residents, is estimated to be 4- to 5-foot-long, local television newscast WCBD News 2 reported. It was sighted on the banks of a retention pond at the Tanner Plantation neighborhood.

The private Tanner Plantation and Foster Creek Community posted the photo on their Facebook page, which immediately went viral on social media mainly because of its bizarre orange hue. There’s even a meme that poked fun of its color, comparing it to President Donald Trump.

Facebook users also chimed in.

“Trump said he'd drain the swamp. Didn't say he was going to fill it with fellow reptiles,” wrote a Facebook commentator.

"Did it grow up near a cheeto or dorito factory? Most likely due to iron or clay in the mud,” wrote another.

Jay Butfiloski from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said it is likely the color may come from where the animal spent the winter, according to the Associated Press.

“From one of our biologists: Might be iron oxide (rust) from hanging out in a steel culvert this winter,” a South Carolina Department of Natural Resources representative tweeted.

The carrot-colored gator is most likely an American alligator, the only crocodilian native to South Carolina. They can live to be more than 60 years old and reach lengths of up to 13 feet, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

Experts said the alligator would shed its skin and may return to a standard shade soon as long as it doesn't go back to the same environment that stained it.

The gator was apparently seen last Thursday afternoon, and it was reported that its orange hue had started to fade, according to Post and Courier.

Last month, a massive alligator spotted near Lakeland, Florida, also made national headlines because of its unusual appearance. The alligator called “Humpback,” was 12-feet-long.