Many people ask if alligators or crocodiles live in North Carolina. Only alligators are found here. This article details their habitat and explains how to coexist safely.
Alligators in North Carolina
American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) are native to North Carolina, marking the northernmost extent of their natural range. Distinguishing between alligators and crocodiles involves observing their snout shape and tooth visibility. Alligators possess a broad, rounded snout, and their lower teeth are not visible when their mouth is closed, unlike crocodiles which have a narrower snout and visible lower teeth even when their mouth is shut.
These reptiles are apex predators, with males typically reaching lengths of up to 13 feet and weighing over 500 pounds, while females are generally smaller, growing less than 9 feet long and weighing around 200 pounds. Alligators are carnivorous, consuming a diet that includes fish, birds, small mammals, and other reptiles. In North Carolina, their growth rates are slower than in more southern states due to colder winters, which also impacts their reproductive frequency. American alligators can live for 20 to 30 years in the wild, with some individuals reaching up to 50 years in captivity.
Where Alligators Live in North Carolina
Alligators in North Carolina are primarily found within the Coastal Plain region, particularly concentrated in the southeastern counties. Their preferred habitats include freshwater environments such as bay lakes, slow-moving rivers, creeks, marshes, swamps, and ponds. While they are often seen in brackish waters and occasionally even on beaches, they must periodically return to freshwater as they lack the salt-secreting glands of their crocodile relatives.
Counties like Brunswick, New Hanover, Craven, Columbus, Onslow, and Pender have some of the largest alligator populations. They can also be found as far west as Robeson County and northward to Gates County, with a small colony even residing in the Great Dismal Swamp near the North Carolina-Virginia border. The presence of suitable wetland environments and warmer temperatures are crucial factors limiting their distribution within the state.
Living Alongside Alligators
Coexisting safely with alligators in North Carolina requires adherence to specific guidelines. It is against the law to intentionally feed alligators, as this can habituate them to humans and lead to dangerous encounters. Keeping pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge in areas where alligators might be present is important; pets should not be allowed to swim or drink in these waters.
Maintaining a safe distance from alligators, at least 50 feet, is advised; never approach or provoke these animals, regardless of their size. Swimming in known alligator habitats should be avoided, especially during dawn, dusk, or at night when alligators are most active. Alligator attacks are rare, but they can occur if the animals are fed or harassed. If an alligator poses a nuisance or threat, or is found in an unusual location such as a residence or blocking a public road, individuals should contact the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at 800-662-7137. The NCWRC also encourages reporting alligator sightings to help monitor their populations.