By Mark Price
The Charlotte Observer
SUNSET BEACH, N.C. — Tourists visiting the beach for Juneteenth watched in amazement as one of the swimmers among them was an alligator, according to police in southeastern North Carolina .
It happened Thursday, June 19, in Sunset Beach , and ended with the gator and a police officer in a tug-of-war on the sand, photos show.
“Beachgoers received an unexpected thrill (Thursday) afternoon when an 8-foot alligator decided to join them in the surf,” the Sunset Beach Police Department wrote in a Facebook post.
“At approximately 1:47 p.m., Sergeant (Brannon) Gray was dispatched to 10th Street, after reports were received of an alligator entering and exiting the ocean. Upon arrival, Sergeant Gray observed the alligator in the surf and quickly took action to ensure the safety of nearby beachgoers, many of whom had gathered closely to take photos.”
Photos show Gray used a catch pole to snag the alligator around the neck and drag it out of the surf.
The gator responded by going into a “death roll,” which involves spinning the entire body. The trick didn’t work on the officer, and the alligator was soon loaded onto a truck bed with its jaws taped shut.
It was released alive and well at “a nearby pond,” officials said.
Gray is certified to handle alligators by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission , police officials said.
Alligators are native to southeastern North Carolina, but instances of them being in the Atlantic Ocean are uncommon. That’s because they are “primarily freshwater animals” that only tolerate salt water for short periods, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration .
The department’s Facebook post had more than 1,200 reactions and comments as of June 20 , including some who reported the alligator easily blended into the crowd.
“I was there when it was on the other side of the pier we were swimming in,” William Alexander Tucker wrote. “Had no clue about it.”
“Sharks, man of wars and now gators. It’s a thrill a minute at Sunset Beach folks!” Catherine Pittenger posted.
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