Orange Beach Alligator video goes viral worldwide

R. Ken Cooper • June 10, 2020

Derek Righter's alligator video captures worldwide attention

(OBA®) - On Sunday afternoon Derek Righter was leaving the Orange Beach Sportsplex with his two children when they came across a young alligator checking out new territories. 

Derek captured a video of the young gator as they approached in their car.  When the gator notices the car it didn't waste anytime getting back to familiar territory, a drainage ditch behind Orange Beach Public Works on Wm. Silvers Parkway.

We posted the video on the OBA Community Website's Facebook page on Sunday afternoon and the likes, comments and shares added up quickly. 
A representative from Storyful saw the video and contacted Derek for licensing rights. It first appeared on uk.news.yahoo.com. 

Click on image below to view on UK Yahoo News site.
Orange Beach Alligator on U.K. News site
On Monday evening Good Morning America picked up on the video and posted it to their Facebook page.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Gulf Shores City Hall
By OBA Staff April 29, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — At their Monday night meeting, the Gulf Shores City Council approved a pre-zoning and annexation request for the Riviera property. The decision permits a new residential and commercial development. The property sits at the northwest corner of County Road 8 West and Highway 59. City official
Nesting season runs through late October
By R. Ken Cooper April 29, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Sea turtle nesting season is set to begin along the northern Gulf Coast, including Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. The annual event brings threatened sea turtles ashore to lay eggs. Officials say public awareness is key to protecting the endangered animal and urge beachgoers to follow s
Facility engineered to withstand 160 mph winds and store vessels up to 55 feet
By OBA Staff April 29, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — With hurricane season approaching, boat owners along the Alabama Gulf Coast are being urged to be prepared. Legendary Marina & Yacht Club in Gulf Shores is offering storage options designed to protect vessels during a major storm. The marina is one of the only facilities on the Gulf Coast
Flora-Bama Lounge
By R. Peevy April 28, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The iconic Flora-Bama has been nominated for USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for Best Beach Bar. This selection, made by a panel of experts, puts the legendary spot in the national spotlight, with the ultimate winner determined by public votes.
54th Annual Art In The Park Returns To Downtown Foley
By OBA Staff April 28, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Foley Art Center will host the 54th Annual Art in the Park in Heritage Park on Mother’s Day Weekend in downtown Foley. The event is held each year at the intersection of Highways 59 and 98. Planners say the festival will feature more than 80 artists. The event is free and open to the public.
Three Makos Teams Ready for Postseason Play This Week
By John Mullen April 28, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – It’ll be a busy week in post-season play for at least three Orange Beach Makos spring sports teams. Two teams – baseball and girls' soccer – will play state tournament games, with baseball at home and girls' soccer on the road. The Lady Makos softball powerhouse will be the host team for...
Residential Developments Proposed Near Hospital, Sportsplex, and Oyster Bay
By John Mullen April 28, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – A short meeting agenda for the Gulf Shores Planning Commission is long on requests for 256 new residences in three subdivisions planned in the city. Expansion areas include one for townhomes across State Route 59 from the Baldwin Regional Medical Center’s freestanding emergency department.
South Chicago Street in Foley has reopened after being closed for several months
for improvements.
By Guy Busby April 27, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — South Chicago Street in Foley has reopened after several months of closure for improvements. The project added new visual features and pedestrian upgrades along the roadway. City officials said the changes are part of a broader effort to improve access to downtown. The street now includes...
PicOrange Beach Pickleball Complex Grand Opening Is Set for Next Week
By OBA Staff April 27, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Orange Beach is getting ready to open a brand-new pickleball complex, and the city is inviting everyone to come celebrate. The Orange Beach Parks & Recreation Department announced the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Orange Beach Pickleball Complex.
NCAA Championship Volleyball - Stock Photo
By OBA Staff April 27, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores is preparing to host a major collegiate sporting event as top teams from across the country arrive for the national championship. The competition will feature 16 of the nation’s leading beach volleyball teams, with matches held on the city’s public beaches. Officials expect...
Show More