Wildlife agencies launch ‘GatorWise’ program to prevent human-alligator conflicts

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) –Wildlife agencies across 11 southeastern states, including North Carolina, are launching “GatorWise,” a public outreach initiative aimed at reducing human-alligator conflicts and promoting responsible coexistence with the species.

The initiative, developed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and other state agencies, provides residents and visitors with guidelines on avoiding dangerous encounters with alligators. NCWRC Wildlife Biologist Alicia Wassmer emphasized the importance of public awareness, especially as human development continues to expand into areas where alligators naturally live.

“As development continues to expand into once-remote areas where alligators live, we need to become GatorWise in order to safely share the land with this species,” Wassmer said.

North Carolina is the northernmost range of the American alligator in the United States. Most alligator-related calls to NCWRC’s Wildlife Hotline come from New Hanover and Brunswick counties — regions where human populations have surged since the species was removed from the federal endangered species list in 1987.

As part of the initiative, wildlife experts developed six “GatorWise Basics” to educate the public:

• Assume Alligators Are Present: Alligators can inhabit any body of water within their range. Maintain a safe distance, as they are often well-hidden.
• Never Feed Alligators: Feeding alligators, whether intentionally or accidentally, can cause them to associate people with food — a dangerous situation for both humans and the animals.
• Don’t Dispose of Fish or Food Scraps in Water: Improper disposal of bait, fish scraps, or other food items can inadvertently feed alligators.
• Never Harass, Capture, or Handle an Alligator: Approaching or attempting to handle an alligator is dangerous and illegal in most states.
• Be Responsible for People and Pets: Keep pets on a leash and away from water. Supervise small children near bodies of water.
• Maintain Awareness Near Water: Always heed alligator warning signs, avoid swimming in dense vegetation, and stay out of water during dusk and dawn when alligators are most active.

For more information on GatorWise, click here. To learn about American alligators in North Carolina, visit NCWildlife.gov.