Police Warn Beachgoers Of Unique 'Sunbather' On North Carolina Shores
By Sarah Tate
June 10, 2021
As Summer approaches, bringing sunny days and warm weather, many people make plans to travel to the beach for a fun adventure and soak up some sun. But as it turns out, it isn't just humans who love to lay out.
The Oak Island Police Department, along the shores of North Carolina, are warning beachgoers to avoid any alligators who may be relaxing on the beach. The police department took to its Facebook page, sharing a "highly educational post" they made in 2020 as they had been receiving several 911 calls from concerned beachgoers.
"Leave them alone! We will not remove them just because you are concerned," the post read.
According to the department, the island in the Intracoastal Waterway is the gators' natural habitat, so it is likely that visitors will see one or two hanging around.
Let us revisit this highly educational post from last year, as we have been receiving quite a few 911 calls about our reptilian friends. #gatorsonvaca #surfinggators
Posted by Oak Island Police Department on Tuesday, June 8, 2021
Throughout the post, the department continued to stress the importance of staying away from the creatures who are simply enjoying some time in the sun.
"Do not pet them. Do not take selfies with them. Do not feed them. Do not ride them. Do not try to move them," the post concluded. "Did we mention, leave them alone!"
According to the News & Observer, there have been multiple sightings of gators reported on a community page, but it is believed to be "one extremely mobile alligator," instead of several of the scaly creatures.