Neighborhood alligator takes nightly stroll, raises concerns

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — People across the Cape Fear have been reporting alligator sightings left and right lately, but one gator is making itself at home in a Leland neighborhood.

Many people living in Magnolia Greens know about the neighborhood alligator and for the most part are welcoming of the wildlife. But some resdients like John Gambale have a few concerns.

“The main concern is the number of people and the probability that somebody might get hurt. That was our main concern,” Gambale said.

Concerns continue to rise after the alligator had a late night stroll through the neighborhood Tuesday night. It took resident Samantha Ingram by surprise.

“My headlights caught a glimpse of a 4 to 5 foot alligator. He was just walking down the sidewalk,” Ingram said.

The alligator even made its way into people’s front yards.

“It kind of terrified me. Being that, you know, that there’s people that walk every night,” Ingram said.

Ingram called police after she spotted the alligator, she says police said to let it be and added that it will go to its natural habitat soon. But as a mother, Ingram is still worried.

“My biggest concern is I have little ones,” Ingram said. “I have three kids and they go outside and play. Just as much as taking the trash out you know, and stuff like that. It bothers me knowing that he could be laying in my backyard.”

Ingram is concerned for her children and for the alligator.

“I was concerned for him as well. I wasn’t just like oh lets get rid of him. I wanted him to be safe,” Ingram said.

Safety for residents and wildlife, that is what the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and the NC Alligator Task Force are proposing to do. The organizations will begin meetings to inform people of the dangers of alligators and get input on what needs to be done to better coexist with them.

Wildlife Diversity Program Coordinator, Allen Boynton says people should never feed the alligators, once they get comfortable with people they can become aggressive. Boynton adds that if you ever cross paths with an alligator to leave it alone, it will most likely be on its way.

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission and NC Alligator Task Force will hold their first of six public meetings starting Monday.

For the full list of meetings and where they will be in our area, click here.