Sunset Beach police warn residents not to approach alligator nests

SUNSET BEACH, NC (WECT) – Sunset Beach Police are warning residents not to go near alligator nesting sites.

Police have posted signs at active nests throughout the city. Female alligators sitting on their nests can be aggressive and feel threatened if approached.

“Almost alligators reach sexual maturity when they reach a length of about 7 feet, although females can reach sexual maturity as early as 6 feet. It may take a female 10 to 15 years and a male 8 to 12 years to reach this length. Courtship begins in early April and mating occurs in May or June,” the SBPD wrote on its Facebook page.

If you suspect a nest is being tampered with or a person may be in danger due to proximity, please call 911.

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