Sunset Beach officials share dos and don’ts: What to do if you encounter an alligator

SUNSET BEACH, NC — If you encounter an alligator, there are several things to remember.

These gators can vary in size and length, so officials have stated universal dos and don’ts when it comes to gator encounters.

Officer William Arp is an Animal Control Officer with the Sunset Beach Police Department. One of the most important things he says you need to do is not panic. Just let them walk, and eventually, they’ll wander off.

If there is a situation where they end up enclosed, like in your garage or a child’s playset, call 9-1-1 or Animal Control so they can assist with safely removing the animal.

Officer Arp took me to a couple of nests in the area. He watches them and ensures that the alligators are unbothered.

One of the female alligators we visited was described as shy and docile, except when it comes to her babies.

“You don’t want to get anywhere near a nest because the females are very protective. They have that motherly instinct and want to keep an eye on their nest and not let anyone near it,” Arp said.

Since we kept our distance, she did not emerge from the water. However, she is normally around 10-12 feet long.

Not all alligators have been staying put so easily, though.

Down the road at Sandpiper Golf Course, Shawn Tompkins, a resident, was hanging out with a friend on his back patio when an unexpected house guest arrived.

“There was a gator in the room. He was probably about three feet long. I tried to get him to go out, and he didn’t like me,” Tompkins said.

Tompkins shared that he is not afraid of animals, so this was how he chose to handle his situation.

“I got the rake, it was a leaf rake. I gave him a nudge on his tail, he turned and hissed at me. I whacked him on his head with it, and he changed his mind and walked out of the room,” said Tompkins.

If you take matters into your own hands, Officer Arp offers this word of caution.

“I would get a garden hose or something harmless and spray it at them. Nine times out of ten, they will move on on their own,” Arp stated.

Officer Arp also recommends that you do not feed alligators because once you feed them, you most likely won’t be able to keep them away.