Alligator strolls into North Carolina bagel shop

Customers and employees inside a Southport establishment experienced a startling surprise when a small reptile entered the premises last Thursday. Security footage recorded the three-foot creature walking through the back door, traversing the stockroom, and approaching the front counter. One patron defended the area by holding a chair against the uninvited visitor. Shop owner Jesse Driscoll was in the middle of installing a new oven when the animal arrived. According to Driscoll, the encounter was entirely out of the ordinary for a typical day at the bakery. Local authorities confirmed that Southport police officers and an animal protective officer arrived at the scene to capture and relocate the animal safely. The business later posted about the incident on social media, joking that word of their fresh food had reached local wildlife. ## Wildlife encounters on the rise The creature is believed to be a federally protected American alligator. State wildlife officials have noted an increase in similar interactions as mating season progresses and public encounters rise. Biologists reported receiving multiple calls daily regarding the reptiles. Officials previously warned coastal visitors and residents against feeding or interacting with the local wildlife population. Wildlife management experts explain that feeding these animals causes them to lose their natural fear of humans and associate people with food sources. In response to the growing number of incidents, state authorities developed an awareness checklist advising individuals to remain cautious near water, supervise pets, and never feed or handle the animals. ## Why it matters This event highlights the increasing frequency of human-wildlife encounters in coastal regions as animals seek food sources near human settlements. The situation emphasizes the importance of following safety guidelines and avoiding wildlife feeding to prevent potentially dangerous interactions.