Southport, NC — For the second time this week, local law enforcement and animal protective services were called into action to manage a wildlife encounter in the heart of Southport. The incident occurred Thursday afternoon around 4:00 p.m. when authorities received reports of a large alligator located in the drive-thru of the Truist Bank on Howe Street.
According to officials, the alligator had reportedly been struck by a vehicle and was found positioned underneath a car in the bank’s parking lot. Officers from the Southport Police Department and Southport Animal Protective Services (APS) quickly secured a perimeter to ensure public safety. They were joined on the scene by the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office APS, and together the teams worked to safely free the animal from beneath the vehicle while awaiting specialized assistance.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission officers arrived shortly thereafter to assess the condition of the alligator. Following their evaluation, it was determined that the animal would need to be relocated. The gator was successfully loaded and transported to a safer, more remote location away from the high-traffic commercial area.
Local authorities expressed gratitude for the seamless cooperation between the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and state wildlife officials. This second sighting in a single week serves as a timely reminder for residents that alligator activity naturally increases as temperatures rise across the coastal plain.
To help residents coexist safely with local wildlife, experts recommend following several “Gatorwise” safety protocols. It is advised to always assume alligators are present in or near coastal waters and to never feed, harass, or attempt to handle one. Residents are also encouraged to dispose of fish scraps and food waste properly, keep a close watch on pets and children near the water’s edge, and maintain constant awareness of their surroundings during the warmer months.
© 2026 BCDollarSaver.com. All rights reserved.
Be the first to comment