North Carolina residents are being advised on how to coexist with the state’s top natural predator, the alligator. According to experts, living near bodies of fresh water means assuming alligators are present and taking precautions. Residents are advised not to feed alligators, secure pets near water bodies, and be cautious during dusk and dawn, when alligators are most active. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) recommends never approaching an alligator and viewing them from a safe distance.
North Carolina is at the northern limit of the alligator’s range, with a population estimated to be in the thousands along the coast and into the coastal plain. While the state considered a limited gator hunting season in the past, it was not widely adopted due to concerns over public relations and conservation efforts. North Carolina’s alligators go into near-hibernation during colder months, taking longer to grow and mature compared to their southern counterparts.
Male alligators in North Carolina can reach 13 feet in length, while females typically remain under 9 feet. Both genders reach sexual maturity around 6 feet, with males taking 14-16 years and females 18-19 years to achieve this milestone. Alligators in the wild can live for over four decades, with females protecting their young for up to two years.
If residents encounter someone feeding or harassing alligators, they are encouraged to report it to the WRC’s enforcement hotline. For information on how to make local waterways less attractive to alligators, a helpline is available. This article was produced with the support of the Green South Foundation and the Prentice Foundation, with the USA TODAY Network maintaining editorial control.
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