10-Foot Alligator Nicknamed “Pepe” Caught Lounging in North Carolina Roadway
A Gator Named “Pepe” Stops Traffic in Onslow County
On the morning of May 28, residents in Onslow County, North Carolina, got a wild surprise when a massive alligator—nearly 10 feet long and weighing between 350 and 400 pounds—was found casually lounging near the double yellow line on Old 30 Road just outside Jacksonville. Deputies from the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene. There, they quickly got to work wrangling the reptile. After that, affectionately naming the gator “Pepe.”
It was the kind of scene straight out of a movie. There was a giant gator in the middle of a quiet Carolina road. As a result, law enforcement was standing by with ropes and sticks. Additionally, they had a whole lot of caution. But thanks to a swift and professional response, Pepe was safely secured and relocated without injury to anyone—human or reptile.
Caught on Camera: Pepe Goes Viral
Photos of the incident were posted on the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office’s official Facebook page. They show the gator splayed out on the pavement with deputies surrounding it. One image shows Pepe with its mouth taped shut. That’s standard safety protocol for relocating alligators. Another captures the sheer scale of the animal against the patrol vehicle, showcasing its impressive size and girth.
In true internet fashion, the gator was given a nickname: “Pepe.” The sheriff’s office leaned into the humor, referring to the gator by name in their caption and offering a few tongue-in-cheek safety tips about gator run-ins. Social media picked it up from there, and soon “Pepe” was trending locally as residents chimed in with jokes, praise for the deputies, and gator GIFs galore.
Location: A Wildlife Hotspot with a History
Old 30 Road is a two-lane road in coastal Onslow County, not far from the town of Jacksonville. This part of North Carolina is known for its proximity to swamps, marshes, and waterways that alligators call home. In fact, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has long listed Onslow County as part of the state’s alligator range.
Sightings aren’t rare—but seeing one this big, this out in the open, definitely isn’t something that happens every day.
Not the First Gator Encounter in Jacksonville
While Pepe’s size and sudden road appearance made headlines, it’s not the first time Jacksonville has dealt with a wandering gator. In 2016, a smaller three-foot alligator was found outside Jacksonville City Hall and safely relocated. In 2013, a more serious encounter occurred when police had to euthanize a 12-foot gator believed to have attacked a dog.
But unlike those incidents, Pepe’s visit ended peacefully. No shots fired. No animals harmed. Just one very large gator removed from a very public location with zero drama—exactly the kind of outcome wildlife officials hope for in these situations.
Why Are Alligators Wandering into Roads?
As temperatures rise in late spring, alligator activity increases. Mating season typically peaks from April to June, causing gators to move more often and over longer distances. Sometimes, they wander out of wetlands and end up in populated areas or near roads. In places like coastal North Carolina, where development continues to push into natural habitats, these run-ins are becoming more common.
The good news? Alligators aren’t typically aggressive unless provoked—and as in Pepe’s case, they can often be relocated without incident.
How Authorities Handled It
Deputies responded quickly after receiving the call. Using trained techniques, they safely subdued Pepe. As a result, taping the gator’s mouth shut to prevent injury before lifting it onto a vehicle for relocation. The gator was transported to a more suitable area within the region. Likely, they took Pepe to a nearby creek, riverbank, or protected habitat. Definitely, they moved the gator away from human traffic.
Photos shared by the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the process was smooth, calm, and efficient. The post included multiple photos. So, it drew dozens of reactions. As a result, it helped promote awareness about wildlife presence in the region.
Public Reaction: Pepe Wins Hearts
Commenters on the sheriff’s Facebook post couldn’t get enough of Pepe. Some thanked deputies for their swift action. Meanwhile, others couldn’t resist the humor.
“Pepe out here just trying to cross the road and enjoy the weather,” one user wrote. Another joked, “Looks like Pepe was just a few minutes away from his DMV appointment.”
Several others used the opportunity to remind fellow residents to be cautious and alert—especially in the warmer months when gator sightings tend to increase.
What To Do If You Spot a Gator
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission urges residents to stay calm if they encounter an alligator in the wild—or even near their home.
- Do not approach.
- Do not feed it.
- Do not try to move it yourself.
Instead, call local authorities or wildlife officials. In Onslow County, the sheriff’s office is equipped to handle such calls, as evidenced by their expert handling of the Pepe situation.
Final Thoughts
The safe capture and relocation of “Pepe” the alligator on May 28 is a reminder that humans and wildlife often share the same space, especially in regions like coastal North Carolina. But it’s also a testament to how preparation, training, and community awareness can lead to positive outcomes.
Thanks to the fast action by Onslow County deputies, no one was hurt, traffic was safely redirected, and a giant alligator got a new lease on life—far from the middle of Old 30 Road. As a result, drivers and even the random people walking, were safe.
However, there were likely some who wanted to get in on the action and see the gator for themselves. Those who missed it were left to view it online, or on the local news, like the rest of the world. In the meantime, people will keep their eyes pealed to catch the next action-packed moment.
Pepe may not have meant to cause a scene, but he sure made an impression. And with a name like that, he’s probably already a local legend.