There’s a long list of potentially dangerous animals roaming around North Carolina, but few strike more fear in the hearts of residents more than alligators.
There are an estimated few thousand alligators in the Tar Heel State, the Wilmington Star-News reported .
Alligators, which resemble oversized lizards, tend to coexist peacefully with humans, but they can become aggressive.
An alligator that was reportedly lunging at passing cars was found lying across highway in the dark in Brunswick County in late June, The News & Observer reported . The alligator eventually fled the scene when the local fire department sprayed it with a high-powered hose.
A week prior, an alligator tucked itself underneath the car of a patron at a Mexican restaurant in Sunset Beach, preventing the driver from getting into their vehicle, The N&O reported . The reptile was safely relocated after the incident, officials said.
Here’s where alligators are found in the state, and what to do if you come across one.
Where are alligators found in NC?
According to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission , alligators are primarily found in the state’s Coastal Plan region .
“ American alligators occur naturally in North Carolina, inhabiting bay lakes, rivers, creeks, marshes, swamps and ponds , with local populations distributed in patches along the coast ,” the NCWRC says. “Although they lack the salt-secreting glands of their crocodile cousins , they are often observed in brackish waters and even occasionally on beaches .”
Male alligators in North Carolina can grow up to 13 feet long and weigh more than 500 pounds , while female alligators are typically less than nine feet long and around 200 pounds, according to the NCWRC.
What should you do if you see an alligator?
Although alligator attacks are rare , there are things you can do to avoid having issues if you’re in an area where they may live.
The NCWRC offers the following tips on how to be safe around alligators:
Do not feed alligators.
Do not throw food or other objects into the water where alligators may be.
Keep pets on a leash where alligators could be present and don’t walk them next to the water’s edge.
Never leave children unattended near any body of water.
Do not allow pets to swim, exercise or drink in or near waters where alligators could be present.
Be particularly cautious between dusk and dawn when alligators are most active.
Do not approach, harass, provoke, or touch any alligator.
If you happen to see an alligator near your home, you can call N.C. Wildlife Enforcement at 800-662-7137 .
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