Why animals like Alligators and Bears are showing up more than usual
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY)– Spring is here, and that means wildlife–like Alligators and Bears– are becoming more active. Wildlife Officials say now is the time to take simple steps around your home to prevent these unwanted wildlife encounters.
Imagine stepping outside on a bright, sunny morning only to find an alligator waiting on your porch. For some Brunswick County residents, that scenario has become increasingly common in recent days.
Wildlife officials say the spike in sightings is tied to seasonal behavior and environmental conditions, not unusual aggression.
“Part of my job is to help people coexist with alligators, or to address nuisance situations,” said wildlife biologist John Henry Harrelson.
Over the past week, a number of residents have reported alligators appearing in yards, swimming in lakes and even sheltering under vehicles. The sightings, while startling, are expected this time of year.
Harrelson said alligators are on the move, looking for a mate, just like one spotted in a pond in Southport near a neighborhood.
“To me, that told me that alligator was wanting to leave the pond anyway, which makes sense, because it’s getting ready to be mating season,” Harrelson said. “We’re kind of on the cusp of it right now, and so a lot of alligators are moving around.”
In addition to seasonal movement, rapid development in Brunswick County is contributing to increased encounters between humans and wildlife. As new neighborhoods expand, natural habitats shrink, forcing animals to relocate.
“We are definitely encroaching on their habitat and encroaching on populations,” Harrelson said. “The more people we have coming to these areas, the more we’re going to have those encounters if people are not being proactive in how we approach coexisting with this wildlife.”
Drought conditions are also playing a role, pushing alligators to seek out water sources such as retention ponds in residential areas.
Another reason why alligators are showing up more in public, is the drought. They are moving into retention ponds in search of water, but they are not the only ones.
“Bears are waking up from their wintertime slumber and coming out and being more visible,” Harrelson said. “This time of year, they’re really hitting food sources, trying to recover. Females are trying to produce milk for their young, and males are ramping up for breeding season.”
Safety officials say when it comes to alligator encounters, always assume they may be present. Never feed, harass, or attempt to capture them. Avoid disposing of food or fish scraps in the water. Pet owners should stay alert and keep animals close, and everyone should use extra caution around ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water.
