Sunset Beach police warn residents to stay away from alligator nests

As alligator mating season begins, Sunset Beach police are warning residents not to approach alligator nests.

Police posted signs throughout the city saying that female alligators sitting on their nests can be aggressive and may feel threatened if approached.

“Almost alligators reach sexual maturity when they are about 7 feet long, although females can reach sexual maturity as early as 6 feet. Courtship begins in early April and mating occurs in May or June,” the SBPD wrote on its Facebook page.

According to police, most female alligators reach the length required for mating between the ages of 10 and 15, while males reach that length between the ages of 8 and 12.

Female alligators build a nest of soil, plants, or garbage and lay between 32 and 46 eggs in late June or early July. The incubation period is nearly 68 days, sometimes less, and hatching occurs between mid-August and early September.

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