According to New York Post on 10th May, Harvill and his girlfriend were having a "beautiful day" at Dauphin Island - a popular tourist destination - when a scaly intruder popped up and scared them both.
Swimming in the ocean off a popular tourist island, a massive alligator turned a seaside vacation into a terrifying scene for one beachgoer.
Although taken aback, Matt quickly recorded a video of the massive reptile using his phone.
Matt Harvill fears stating to WBRC that such an occurrence is not an everyday event. He further shared the shocking images on social media.
The alligator, which was seen swimming in the ocean by a tourist, was captured on video in what was described as a surreal scene. The footage, titled "things you never expect to Witness," clearly shows the massive reptile lurking in the waves.
Although alligators are the largest reptiles in the United States, reaching lengths of up to 15 feet and weighing over 1,000 pounds, they typically prefer freshwater habitats such as rivers and marshes.
Unlike crocodiles, alligators lack saltwater glands under their tongues, which regulate salinity, preventing them from living in brackish and saltwater habitats permanently.
Nevertheless, alligators do venture into the ocean occasionally, as they lack an iodine filter. According to researchers, gators often explore estuaries to hunt for marine prey, including stingrays, blue crabs, and even sharks.
Watching the video below:
