Joe Maffo was the No. 1 critter management person for Beaufort County South Carolina. When an alligator needed to be removed from somewhere, Joe was the person who was called. If the alligator was a "nuisance" gator, meaning it could be dangerous to people, it was "harvested," or put down.
Fortunately for alligators and nature lovers, Joe was careful what he deemed a nuisance gator, and would relocate those that were not harmful to folks. Unfortunately, the Department of Natural Resources of South Carolina isn't as nice.
Joe was called to take care of a 50 year old, 1000 lb, 12 foot long alligator locally known as Big Al. Joe did take care of him; he relocated Big Al to a place where he could live out the remainder of his years. The DNR did not agree with Joe's decision and thought he should have harvested the massive alligator. Why destroy something that isn't a problem? That's just ridiculous. But because of Joe's compassion to nature, the DNR terminated Joe's contract with the state; and because of that, he could not help an alligator in need in Bluffton, where it was struck by a car and remained in the median area for hours.
Joe Maffo is a wonderful member of our community. Maffo and his family are passionate about wildlife and spend their time educating the public about alligators and other wildlife. This man deserves his contract back so he can help people and alligators safely and humanely. Please sign this petition to ask the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to work with Joe Maffo again!
