12-foot alligator relocated after wandering onto Southport driveway
SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — Southport Police Department and Animal Protective Services responded to a home in Southport Tuesday afternoon after a report of a large alligator in a driveway.
Officers were called to the scene around 3:30 p.m., where they found the alligator had moved from the driveway to the porch of a nearby home.
With assistance from North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission officers, the approximately 12-foot alligator was safely captured.
Authorities say the alligator is being relocated.
Authorities also used the incident to remind residents that alligator activity increases as temperatures rise and shared safety tips from NC Wildlife.
Residents are encouraged to follow the “Gatorwise” basics:
- Assume alligators are present
- Never feed alligators
- Do not dispose of fish or food scraps in the water
- Never harass, capture, or handle an alligator
- Be responsible for people and pets in your care
- Stay aware when in or near water
