Giant alligator wanders through Southport, North Carolina neighborhood on Memorial Day [VIDEO]
A 9-foot reptile strolled across lawns, napped in driveways, and sniffed flowerbeds before Southport police safely captured and relocated it.
A large alligator estimated at approximately 9 feet long wandered through a residential neighborhood in Southport, North Carolina, on Memorial Day, May 25. The reptile was spotted roaming yards, streets, driveways, and backyards along Stuart Avenue, prompting nearly 20 calls to the Southport Police Department starting around 3 a.m.
Local resident Terence Hines captured the moment with photos and video. He posted the video on Facebook with the simple caption “Just walking through Southport…” The footage shows the alligator casually strolling across lawns, lounging in the street, napping in driveways, and sniffing flowerbeds. The gator made no effort to hide and moved with the relaxed confidence of a stray dog.
In response, the Southport Police Department issued a social media alert warning residents on Stuart Avenue about the large alligator roaming through yards. Authorities urged residents and motorists to avoid the area to allow for safe management of the situation.
Police Captured and Relocated the Alligator Without Incident
Specially trained Southport police officers, working with North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission personnel, captured the approximately 9-foot alligator around 9:30 a.m. in the 200 block of Stuart Avenue. Using established protocols, officers safely secured the reptile and relocated it to a remote habitat better suited for wildlife.
No injuries were reported to people, pets, or the alligator. Neighborhood residents played a key role by heeding police warnings and staying clear of the area. Their efforts enabled officers to complete the operation without complications. The Southport Police Department later commended the community for its cooperation and reinforced the importance of their public safety alerts.
The successful resolution highlighted strong collaboration between local law enforcement and state wildlife officials. Within just a few hours of the first reports, the situation was fully contained. This efficient response prevented any potential escalation and ensured both public safety and the animal’s well-being.
Southport Has Seen Multiple Alligator Sightings in Recent Months
Southport is a small coastal town in Brunswick County, located near the mouth of the Cape Fear River. The area features a mix of residential neighborhoods, waterways, and proximity to wetlands that form natural habitats for American alligators, which are native to the southeastern United States.
This incident fits a pattern of periodic alligator activity in Southport and Brunswick County, particularly during warmer months when alligators become more active due to rising temperatures, breeding seasons, and increased foraging needs. The Cape Fear River and associated wetlands provide habitat connectivity that can facilitate alligator movement into adjacent residential zones as the animals search for food, mates, or new territory.
Notable recent incidents include a 12-foot alligator removed from a residential porch and driveway in April 2026. Later that same month, another large alligator was involved in an incident at a bank drive-thru after being struck by a vehicle. In June 2025, a 7.5-foot alligator was captured in a backyard on the 400 block of Stuart Avenue. These repeated encounters have made alligator management a regular part of local public safety efforts.
The Alligator’s Casual Behavior Drew Attention Online
Terence Hines’ Facebook post received significant engagement, with residents and others commenting on the reptile’s unusually calm demeanor. The video showed the alligator walking with no apparent urgency, stopping to sniff flowerbeds and lounging in the street as if it had no concerns.
One resident commented that the alligator “acted like it was looking for the neighborhood barbecue.” Another joked that it was an “Eastern Carolina yard dog.” The casual behavior stood in contrast to typical alligator encounters, where the animals are often more reclusive or defensive.
The Southport Police Department’s social media alert also drew responses from residents who appreciated the warnings. Some shared personal accounts, including one individual who was working in a flowerbed and was advised by police to go indoors as the alligator approached. The post and accompanying video quickly became a local talking point.
Alligators Are Protected in North Carolina
American alligators are protected under state and federal regulations in North Carolina. Management is handled by wildlife authorities and local police trained in relocation. Relocations typically involve moving the animal to suitable wild habitats rather than destruction, unless there is an immediate public safety threat.
North Carolina officials routinely remind residents of safety guidelines during warmer weather: maintain awareness near water, do not feed or approach alligators, secure pets and supervise children, and report sightings promptly. The Cape Fear River and associated wetlands provide natural habitat, and urban expansion can lead to overlapping territories.
The Memorial Day incident was resolved efficiently without reported harm, consistent with standard protocols for non-aggressive alligator sightings in the region. The alligator was not injured during capture or relocation.
Social Media Reacted to the Unusual Memorial Day Visitor
The video and photos of the alligator spread beyond Facebook to other platforms, including Instagram and X. Users expressed a mix of concern and amusement at the unusual Memorial Day visitor. One user wrote: “Only in Southport. A 9-foot alligator napping in someone’s driveway on Memorial Day.” Another posted: “He just wanted to grill.”
Some residents expressed concern about safety, particularly for children and pets. Others noted that alligators are a known part of coastal North Carolina life and that the police response was appropriate. “They got him out without anyone getting hurt. That’s what matters,” one commenter wrote.
The Southport Police Department’s handling of the situation was widely praised. The department issued timely alerts, coordinated with wildlife officials, and resolved the incident within hours. No injuries or property damage were reported. Many commenters expressed relief that both the public and the alligator remained safe throughout the encounter.
What to Do If You See an Alligator in a Residential Area
Wildlife officials advise residents who spot an alligator in a residential area to keep a safe distance, do not approach or feed the animal, secure pets and children, and report the sighting to local law enforcement or wildlife authorities. Feeding alligators is illegal in most jurisdictions and can cause them to lose their natural fear of humans.
Alligators are most active during warmer months, typically from April through October. They are often found near bodies of water but can travel across land to find food, mates, or new territory. Southport’s proximity to the Cape Fear River makes occasional alligator sightings a predictable part of life.
The Memorial Day alligator was not aggressive. It did not chase anyone, and it did not attack pets. It simply wandered through a neighborhood, napped in a driveway, and sniffed a flowerbed. Then it was captured and relocated. That is the best possible outcome.