Alligators aren’t so rare in North Carolina anymore.
According to a study conducted by North Carolina State University, the reptiles are increasing in population. More frequent sightings have occurred in Dare and Hyde counties.
In the past year, wildlife officers have received more than 140 calls about the reptiles, more than double the amount from two years ago. A management plan was developed by the Alligator Task Force proposing a hunting season and more education to help the public coexist. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission recently approved the plan, and the state will discuss the hunting proposal in 2018.
– Leah Brown, S&A Communications