
They might seem out of place to visitors but alligators are native to the region and can be spotted on the beaches sometimes, but it’s best to keep your distance and enjoy them from afar.
OAK ISLAND — A video and photos of a sunbathing alligator on the beach at Oak Island are making the rounds on social media and police are reminding visitors and residents to keep common sense about them if they spot one.
According to a social media post from the Oak Island Police Department, the sightings are normal.
“We have been getting several calls for alligator sightings on the island this week. This is normal for this time of year,” the department wrote on Facebook Tuesday. “Please be mindful of these safety tips provided by NC Wildlife Commission. For more information on alligators, you can refer to the following website.”
While alligators are more commonly thought of as Floridian natives, Coastal North Carolina has its fair share of the ancient reptiles, and in general, they are nothing to be too concerned about, as long as people use common sense around them.
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According to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, “If you see an alligator in the wild, look but don’t feed — and don’t touch, harass or poach the animal either. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission reminds the public that alligators can become a nuisance when people either intentionally or unintentionally feed them, which causes them to associate humans with an easy meal.”
Alligators typically don’t want to interact with people but conflicts can happen.
“While they may look intimidating, alligators are naturally secretive and shy around humans. By following a few simple safety tips, the public can help keep them that way and prevent conflicts between their pets and wild alligators,” Alicia Davis, the Commission’s alligator biologist said in an article. “Keep pets on a leash whenever you are near water where alligators have been seen, and don’t allow them to swim, drink or exercise in or near those waters.”