Local

Caught on camera: Alligator cools off in the surf on Oak Island

OAK ISLAND, N.C. — Alligators can show up nearly anywhere in the Cape Fear area of the North Carolina coast, but it’s not often they are found on the beach.

Mary Lewis Scoville told our sister station WWAY she was near the Oak Island Pier around 10:30 a.m. last Thursday when she saw a gator on the beach.

[ALSO WATCH: Alligator spotted chilling out in Oak Island surf]

[IMAGES: Alligator spotted in the surf on Oak Island]

[ALSO READ: Drivers spot 11-foot gator walking along Myrtle Beach highway]

Oak Island Water Rescue took notice and shared what she caught on camera.

Officials reminded beachgoers to give local wildlife space since “we are playing in their sandbox.”