NC officers remove 6-foot alligator from Sunset Beach retailer

Officers on Friday responded to calls about a 6-foot alligator appearing in front of the Coastal Outfitters at Sunset Beach.

WECT reports first responders saw the alligator was concealing itself under the display chairs where customers entered and exited the business at 402 Sunset Blvd North.

The alligator was relocated to a nearby pond in Sunset Beach out of concern for the safety of Sunset Beach residents.

“Alligators commonly find their way into yards and other populated locations. The Sunset Beach Police Department will not remove them simply because of this reason, but situations like today’s incident where risk to public safety is a factor, the alligator will be relocated,” Sunset Beach Police Department wrote in a Facebook post.

Alligators are dangerous animals protected under state law and people should not approach them. Alligators should not be fed or it will teach them that humans are sources of food, which is not only prohibited but could also lead to injury or death.