Carolina Beach responds to reports of gators

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Carolina Beach officials say they have been getting multiple calls about alligator sightings.

Town Manager Michael Cramer says people are reporting alligators near the water’s edge and around docks of homes located on the canal. He says the calls have been intermittent in past years, and that “the recent tragedy in Orlando has generated more than normal interest in, and for some, fear of these creatures.”

Officials with the NC Wildlife Resource Commission say areas like the canal in Carolina Beach is a natural habitat for alligators. They say when the alligators start approaching the proximity to houses, docks, and people, it is probably because they are deliberately being fed or can find food in the area.

Poaching, harming, harassing, or intentionally feeding alligators in North Carolina is illegal.

The NCWRC will only try to remove an alligator from an area if it is in excess of 9 feet long, crawls up on public or private property, or is blocking a roadway.

You can call the NC Wildlife Resource Commission at 1-800-662-7137 if you need more information.