05/08/2024
MAY 6, 2024 β’ ALLIGATOR EDUCATION
π»π³:π«πΉ - There have been some reports of an "alligator on the beach" in neighboring Caswell Beach. Please note: this is NORMAL behavior, and is NOT cause for alarm. If seen, DO NOT approach or try to interact with them, they will move along shortly.
πππππππππ: In North Carolina, it is ILLEGAL to feed, touch, harm, harass, or poach an alligator. While they rarely pose a threat to humans, alligators can become a nuisance when humans intentionally (or unintentionally) feed them, which can cause them to associate humans with an "easy meal."
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For those not familiar with this sight, you can learn more on the πΎπππ
ππππ π°ππππππππππ page of the Town Website at OakIslandNC.gov/WILDLIFE
If you encounter an alligator in the ocean or on the beach, give it plenty of space and do not provoke or interact with it in ANY WAY, it will most likely return where it came from soon.
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Alligators are "the apex predator of the wetlands," but unlike states further south, in North Carolina they can experience cold winters.
Since alligators rely on their environment for temperature regulation, they enter a process called 'BRUMATION' - the reptilian equivalent of mammal hibernation.
After brumation ends in the Spring, it is not uncommon to see an alligator swimming in the ocean or lying on the beach. This can happen for several reasons, but is usually because a tired or weakened alligator has been washed or pushed out of their home due to tides or heavy rains; with some theories suggesting they purposefully take a saltwater βbathβ to remove freshwater parasites.
While alligators can tolerate salt water for a few hours or even days, they are primarily freshwater animals and don't prefer it.
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NO, but you should always be cautious and aware of your surroundings. The best action is to simply leave them alone, and give them plenty of space.
REMEMBER: Oak Island is their home too! The Town WILL NOT remove an alligator simply for being present in a given area; wildlife are removed only if they pose a legitimate and immediate threat to humans. In most cases, their mere presence is not considered an immediate threat (yes, this even includes alligators).
If an alligator is showing unusual signs of aggression, disease, or other actions that appear threatening, please DO NOT contact the Oak Island Police Department directly, instead CALL 9-1-1 so that the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office, Animal Protective Services can be appropriately dispatched.
