15-04-2025
Experts warn of more alligator sightings as mating season starts, temperatures increase
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — April is the start of alligator mating season in Eastern North Carolina, which combined with warmer temperatures, means more active alligators.
The mating season is typically from April to July. Eastern North Carolina is the northern-most part of the American Alligator Home Range, according to N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission District 2 Biologist Chris Kent. With more developments and construction popping up around the region, alligator sightings become more likely.
'Whenever a new development or property gets developed for commercial purposes, there always has to be stormwater retention ponds built to manage runoff and those ponds quickly become artificial habitat for alligators,' Kent said.
In Kent's research, there are only a handful of cases where people have been bitten by alligators in the state in more than 50 years. Those were typically the result of a human feeding or provoking the animal.
'If you feed an animal like that, that animal is going to quickly lose its fear of humans and start approaching humans,' Kent said. 'That's not okay.'
The best thing to do is not to feed alligators and give them their space.
'Be mindful of small children around any body of water in Eastern North Carolina and be very mindful of our pets, particularly dogs,' Kent said.
If you see an alligator in an emergency situation such as one under a car or up against a house, you can call the 24/7 wildlife emergency number at 1-800-662-7137. An alligator in a nearby retention pond is not considered an emergency.
Learn more at Alligator, American | NC Wildlife
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