North Carolina is home to alligators, though not crocodiles. Understanding their presence and habitats can clarify common misconceptions.
Alligators But No Crocodiles
North Carolina is home to the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), but American Crocodiles are not found here naturally. Crocodiles prefer tropical and subtropical climates and are largely restricted to brackish or saltwater habitats, primarily in South Florida within the United States. Unlike alligators, crocodiles possess specialized salt glands on their tongues that allow them to excrete excess salt, making them more tolerant of marine environments.
Alligators and crocodiles can be distinguished by several physical characteristics. Alligators have a broad, rounded, U-shaped snout, whereas crocodiles feature a narrower, more pointed, V-shaped snout. When an alligator closes its mouth, its upper jaw covers the lower teeth, largely concealing them. Conversely, a crocodile’s jaw structure allows some lower teeth, particularly the large fourth tooth, to remain visible even when its mouth is closed. Alligators appear darker, ranging from black to dark gray, while crocodiles tend to be lighter, often grayish-brown or tan.
Where Alligators Live
American Alligators are found primarily in North Carolina’s coastal plain, marking the northernmost extent of their range. They thrive in various freshwater and estuarine environments, including bay lakes, rivers, creeks, marshes, swamps, and ponds. Alligators are occasionally observed in brackish waters and even on coastal beaches, though they must return to freshwater periodically.
The densest alligator populations are concentrated in the southeastern counties along the coast, such as Brunswick, New Hanover, Craven, Onslow, and Pender. Their presence also extends into the lower Cape Fear and Neuse River Valleys. Further north, alligators are recorded around the Albemarle Sound in counties like Dare, Tyrrell, Hyde, and Currituck, including areas within the Outer Banks.
Coexisting with Alligators
Alligators are naturally wary of humans, but feeding them can cause them to lose this fear, leading to nuisance behavior. Feeding alligators is illegal in North Carolina and can result in relocation or euthanasia for the animal if it becomes a safety concern.
To safely share habitats with alligators, maintain a distance of 50-60 feet. Never approach an alligator, and always keep pets on a leash, preventing them from swimming or drinking in waters where alligators might be present. Children should always be supervised near bodies of water.
Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn, so exercise caution during these times. Properly dispose of fish scraps in garbage cans, not in the water, to avoid attracting them. If an alligator poses a direct threat or is in an unusual location, contact the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
Protecting Alligators
The American Alligator holds protected status in North Carolina, listed as “Threatened” by the state and federally as “Threatened due to Similarity of Appearance” to the American Crocodile. It is against the law to harass, harm, or kill an alligator in North Carolina. Violations can result in significant fines and imprisonment.
Alligators play an important role in their ecosystems. They help regulate populations of various animals, including insects, snakes, birds, and small mammals. Their habit of digging dens also creates refuges for other wildlife during dry periods.
Historically, American Alligators faced severe population declines due to habitat loss and unregulated hunting, leading to their endangered listing in 1967. Conservation efforts helped populations recover, changing their status to threatened in 1987. While some southern states allow limited hunting, North Carolina focuses on conservation and education, with hunting only permitted in specific population reduction scenarios.