After 2 alligator scares in weeks, NC beach town police warn about ‘aggressive’ gators

SUNSET BEACH, N.C. (WNCN) — Police at a North Carolina beach town have warned about “aggressive” nesting alligators after encounters with the dangerous reptiles twice in less than three weeks.

Sunset Beach officers first reported the driver of a car was kept away from his vehicle on June 20 when an alligator was spotted lurking under the sedan in the Brunswick County town.

In that case, the threatening mouth, teeth, and beady eyes were seen poking out under the driver’s side door at Las Palmeras Mexican Restaurant on Chandlers Lane near the Food Lion store, the Sunset Beach Police Department said.

“Out of concern for the safety” of the car owner, animal control, and police responded, officers said. Crews then managed to get the alligator, which was about 5-feet long, and moved it to a nearby pond, police said.

Then, last Monday—just over two weeks later—officers encountered a larger alligator hanging out at a surprising spot—police headquarters.

“Officer Huddleston was the first to arrive when he noticed a very large object in one of the parking spaces,” police said in a news release on July 8.

The officer checked and “couldn’t believe what he was seeing” when it turned out to be an alligator over 8 feet long.

Again, police and animal control crews arrived and moved the gator to a nearby pond.

Now, officers in Sunset Beach are warning the town to stay away from alligators—especially females possibly in their nests.

“Female alligators that are sitting on their nests can be aggressive, and feel threatened when approached,” police wrote on Facebook. “DO NOT approach a suspected alligator nest!”

Police said they have signs up around town where they know of active alligator nests.

Female alligators build a mound nest of soil, vegetation, or debris, and deposit an average of 32 to 46 eggs in late June or early July.

“This female alligator actually likes her Sunset Beach Police Department sign and agrees that you should NOT approach her nest,” police said about a photo of a gator at a known nest.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.