Southport, Sunset Beach police respond to large alligator calls this week

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — As alligator mating season ramps up across coastal North Carolina, police departments in Brunswick County are reminding residents to stay alert after responding to multiple recent alligator calls.

The Sunset Beach Police Department responded Monday to a 911 call from a Sea Trail resident who reported a “15-foot alligator” near the roadway.

When officers arrived, they determined the alligator measured 10 feet, 10 inches long, weighed about 400 pounds, and was estimated to be between 25 and 30 years old.

According to police, Animal Control Officer Arp, Sgt. Bopst, and Capt. Gray worked together to safely secure and relocate the alligator to a nearby lake. Officials said all three are licensed through the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and trained to handle nuisance alligators.

Officer Arp said it was the largest alligator he has handled in Sunset Beach.

Police said the incident comes during peak alligator mating season, which typically runs from May through June. During that time, male alligators become more active and mobile, often leading to increased sightings near neighborhoods, retention ponds, and roadways.

Just days earlier, Southport police also responded to a large alligator call after officers found a gator roaming through the parking lot of a well care facility.

According to the Southport Police Department, officers arrived to find the alligator attempting to return to a nearby retention pond. Officers partially opened a fence, allowing the animal to safely leave the property and reenter the water.

Southport police said Sgt. Mahoney, Sgt. Wade, and APS Officer Ward recently completed the Alligator Control Agent Workshop through the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, which certifies officers to handle and trap alligators.

Officials are reminding residents to never approach or feed alligators and to keep children and pets away from the water’s edge.