Odd-Looking Animal With Alligator Features Seen Crossing a Louisiana Road

A routine drive turned into a viral sensation for one Louisiana mom who stumbled upon a strangely tailless alligator making its way across Highway 23 in Plaquemines Parish. The unusual sighting quickly captured the attention of the internet, with thousands of people sharing and reacting to what many are calling a “half an alligator.”

 FROM CONFUSION TO VIRAL FAME

On May 19, Ashlyn Bartholomew had just dropped off her sons at baseball practice when something caught her eye on the road. At first, she wasn’t even sure what she was seeing.

“At first, I couldn’t tell what it was,” Bartholomew told Nola.com.
“It looked like it might be an alligator… or maybe a big dog. But I’ve never in my life seen an alligator without a tail.”

The animal moved slowly across the road, its stride uneven—missing the natural balance and force a tail would normally provide. Surprised by the sight, Bartholomew reached for her phone and began filming.

“Half an Alligator?” — Facebook Post Draws National Attention

Later that same day, she posted a photo and short video clip to Facebook, along with a warning for others in the area:

“Y’all be careful. There’s half an alligator walking on the road.”

The unusual post quickly spread online. By May 28, it had been shared thousands of times. People from across the country reacted with amazement, concern, and even admiration for the animal’s ability to keep moving despite its condition.

What Could Cause a Missing Tail?

An alligator’s tail is more than just a body part—it’s crucial for swimming, self-defense, and basic mobility. So how does one end up without it?

Robert Mendyk, a reptile expert at Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, believes there are a couple of possible reasons:

• Injury from a boat propeller, especially in heavily trafficked bayous and waterways

• An aggressive encounter with another alligator, which Mendyk says is the most likely explanation

  “If that tail was lost in a fight, it was likely from another male gator with a powerful bite,” Mendyk said, offering insight into how such an injury could occur.

  Remarkable Survivors of the Wild

  While the sight of a tailless alligator might seem alarming, Mendyk emphasized that these animals are built for survival.

  “Alligators are incredibly tough,” he explained. “The injury likely healed on its own. They have an amazing ability to recover—over time, the body seals the wound naturally.”

  Though losing a tail may affect an alligator’s balance and agility—especially in water—it’s not usually life-threatening. Mendyk added that such injuries aren’t rare, especially in the wild, where clashes over territory and dominance can be intense.

  In the End: A Symbol of Survival

  No one can say for certain how this particular gator lost its tail—but what’s clear is its resilience. Thanks to one Louisiana mother’s curiosity and quick reaction, the world got a rare look at an alligator adapting to life without one of its most essential features.

  From local roadside sighting to national interest, this unique “half-gator” has become an unlikely symbol of survival—reminding us that nature often finds a way, even when the odds aren’t ideal.