Wildlife agencies launch GatorWise to inform public on alligators in southeastern states [Video]

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Agencies in 11 southeastern states, including the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), have launched GatorWise, a website informing the public on how to properly respond to alligators.

The initiative is modeled after the successful program launched in 2018, BearWise, which helped communities with black bears throughout the southeastern U.S.

“As development continues to expand into once-remote areas where alligators live, we need to become GatorWise in order to safely share the land with this species,” said NCWRC Wildlife Biologist Alicia Wassmer.

According to a release from NCWRC, the most calls to their Wildlife Hotline regarding alligators come from New Hanover and Brunswick Counties.

“Urbanization is projected to increase at exponential rates in areas where alligator habitat occurs,” said Wassmer. “This continuous conversion of natural spaces, coupled with a constant influx of newcomers who may not know that alligators are here or aren’t familiar with alligator behavior, have amplified the need for state wildlife resource agencies to proactively …