A woman in Leland, North Carolina, opened her front door late at night after hearing a noise and found an 8-foot alligator on her doormat, according to The Cool Down. Her dog had started barking, prompting her to investigate the sound.
The alligator was lying on the porch, and the woman called Brunswick County Animal Control, which arrived and removed the reptile, The Cool Down reported. The encounter happened in the town of Leland, which is near the Cape Fear River and several creeks and ponds where alligators are common in the region.
What this means for North Carolina homeowners
Alligators in North Carolina are most active from April through October, and they can turn up in yards, on porches, or even in pools as they move between waterways. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission advises never to feed alligators and to keep a safe distance of at least 60 feet if you see one.
If you live near water in coastal counties like Brunswick, consider securing trash cans and avoiding leaving pet food outdoors, as food sources can attract alligators. The state also warns that small pets should be kept inside or on a leash near ponds. For homeowners dealing with any wildlife issues, I looked up the wildlife removal operators in North Carolina to find licensed professionals who can handle large reptiles safely.
Other animals like raccoons or squirrels making noise in your wall can also be a sign of unwanted wildlife, though alligators are much rarer in most North Carolina homes. The woman in Leland was not injured, and the alligator was relocated, The Cool Down confirmed.
The notice is published by The Cool Down at www.thecooldown.com.
