Video of huge alligator walking on Florida golf course causes stir on social media

FOOTAGE of a gigantic alligator strolling on a Florida golf course has gone viral. But is it real, or fake?

A ‘monster’ alligator on a Florida golf course.

VIDEO of a mammoth alligator taking a stroll on a Florida golf course has gone viral — and sparked an online debate about whether it’s real or fake.

The footage, apparently captured by Saratosa resident Charles Helms, shows the giant gator slowly walking across Buffalo Golf Creek Course near St Petersburg, Florida, leaving several bystanders in shock.

While the sight of alligators on golf courses in that part of the world is not uncommon, the sheer size of this animal led many to suggest it’s some sort of CGI hoax.

However local media reported the gator was real and had roamed the links for years.

“He doesn’t bother anybody and they don’t bother him, he’s like a mascot for the course,” pro shop clerk Wendy Schofield was quoted as saying.

Several other US news outlets claim to have verified the authenticity of the story but others remain unconvinced.

There's no way that alligator on that golf course is real I gotta see close ups 👀

— Jeremy Hill (@JeremyHill33) May 31, 2016

That gator ain't real.

— Dan Carson (@TheDoctorCarson) June 1, 2016

I called @WPTV and it is confirmed that the alligator in that video is not a hoax. That is a real life gator, so hide yah kids and yah wife

— Parker Branton (@ParkerBranton) June 1, 2016

usually stuff like this is fake. But this one is real. https://t.co/Fmldv2CI19

— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) May 31, 2016

Massive alligator on a Florida golf course. Pro Shop employees promise this is no fake, it often roams the fairways https://t.co/OhBPV6J0VK

— Jay Durant (@GlobalDurant) May 31, 2016

Golf course gator fake as hell.

— Barry Petchesky (@barryap1) May 31, 2016

So what’s your verdict. Real or fake?

Originally published as Video of huge alligator walking on Florida golf course causes stir on social media