Giant 10-Foot Alligator Caught Near Onslow County Road
In an unusual wildlife encounter, a massive 180-kilogram alligator, affectionately named "Pepe," was recently spotted basking near Old 30 Road in Onslow County, North Carolina. Stretching nearly 10 feet long, this colossal reptile caught the attention of local authorities, who then stepped in to safely relocate him away from the busy roadway.
A Playful ‘Arrest’ Sparks Online Buzz
The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office shared the incident on social media with a witty flair, jokingly “citing” Pepe for being a "dinosaur without proper papers." The post humorously labeled the alligator a "prehistoric perp" loitering on the road, instantly sparking viral attention and a flood of fun comments.
Officials described how deputies, along with officers from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, encountered Pepe on the afternoon of May 28. He was reportedly "just chilling and snapping," blissfully unaware of the "no loitering or lounging on roadways" signs nearby.
The made-up charges included Suspicion of Being a Dinosaur Without Proper Papers, Public Loitering with Intent to Sunbathe, and Obstructing Traffic. Despite the humor, authorities confirmed Pepe was unharmed and safely relocated. The post cheekily mentioned the gator refused to be handcuffed, but everyone remained safe throughout the operation.
Public Reacts with Amusement and Awe
The Facebook post, complete with photos of Pepe posing alongside grinning officials, quickly attracted amusement and admiration from social media users.
- One commenter joked, "I'm so weak, the one in glasses is having the time of his life."
- Another expressed surprise, "Holy moly! I didn’t realize they got this huge around here!"
- Someone quipped, "If Pepe had just called an Uber instead of walking, he wouldn't be in this mess."
Giant Reptiles on the Move
This isn’t the first time an enormous alligator has made headlines in the region. In May 2023, a similarly impressive reptile was documented wandering along a road on South Carolina’s Kiawah Island, capturing attention for its size and slow, leisurely pace.
Incidents like these highlight the ongoing interaction between humans and wildlife in the southeastern United States — especially with species as ancient and powerful as alligators. Thanks to the efforts of local law enforcement and wildlife officials, such encounters end safely for both people and creatures alike.
