‘Bulletproof’ alligator Two-Toed Tom survived dynamite blast – and now he has youngsters
Florida is well known for its alligators and there’s reportedly now a family of “bulletproof” ones roaming around.
The Sunshine State’s most notorious swamp monster was – legend has it – an 18ft alligator dubbed ‘Two-Toed Tom’. According to famed Florida journalist E.W. Carswell, the beast was responsible for “every kind of high crime imaginable, including eating mules and children and attacking women”.
Speaking to News 6, Dr. Frank Mazzotti has claimed the dangerous animal set up roots at Sand Hammock Pond in south Florida. Locals have also suggested the massive gator “formed a harem”, meaning there are likely a group of creatures still alive today who share the traits as ‘Two-Toed Tom’.
(Image: Getty Images)
One of the most alarming of these was Tom’s seeming ability to resist bullets with a rock-hard outer hide. Carswell wrote in 1972 how officials tried to blow up the alligator with dynamite blasts, but were ultimately unsuccessful as Tom’s tracks were still discovered after the attempt.
Carswell also reported on the animal’s “voice of doom” – a loud bellowing that could be heard early each morning. “It is a deep-throated rumble that easily could be mistaken for the voice of doom, particularly if it’s Two-Toed Tom that’s doing the rumbling,” Carswell said.
He added: “It can be heard from great distances, maybe for miles, disturbing cattle, scaring mules and horses, frightening chickens and sheep and prompting mothers to warn children not to stray far from home.”
(Image: Twitter/X/PolkCoSheriff/)
Mazzotti claimed an alligator’s hide could potentially be strong enough to withstand gunfire, depending on its size, the angle of shot and calibre of bullet.
Florida locals recovering from the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton last month reportedly had a rude encounter with a giant alligator when one showed outside a home.
An ABC reporter cited reports of alligators swimming through some flooded streets and urged people not to explore the floodwaters, according to Newsweek.
“We’ve actually been seeing some people swimming through the area, alligators swimming through the area,” the reporter said, adding that her producer just told her they’ve seen the alligators.
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