Alligator rescued from Southport bank drive-thru after being struck by vehicle
SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — For the second time this week, Southport officers and animal protective services responded to safely capture a large alligator–this time in an unusual location.
Authorities were called around 4 p.m. Thursday to the Truist Bank drive-thru after reports of a large alligator that had been struck by a vehicle and was trapped beneath a car in the parking lot.
Officers from the Southport Police Department and Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Animal Protective Services worked together to safely free the animal while securing the area. Officials then waited for assistance from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
Wildlife officers assessed the situation and determined the alligator needed to be relocated. The animal was safely loaded and transported to a more suitable habitat.
Local officials expressed appreciation for the coordinated response among agencies, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in handling wildlife encounters safely.
As temperatures rise, officials are also reminding residents that alligator activity tends to increase. Guidance from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission encourages the public to assume alligators may be present near bodies of water, never feed them, and avoid disposing of food waste in waterways.
Residents are also urged not to approach, handle, or harass alligators and to keep a close watch on pets and children near water. Staying alert in areas where alligators may be present is key to preventing dangerous encounters, officials said.
