• A 10-foot, 400-pound alligator named Pepe was detained by North Carolina officers after blocking a busy road.
• Officers used smart techniques to safely capture Pepe and posed for photos with him.
• Pepe was released to a safe habitat after the rescue, returning to his natural environment.

Huge Alligator Pepe Detained on Busy North Carolina Road

The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office faced an unusual challenge when they found a giant alligator blocking a busy road. The alligator, nicknamed Pepe, measured 10 feet long and weighed about 400 pounds. People nearby saw Pepe sunbathing and snapping his jaws, ignoring signs that said no loitering. The sheriff’s office humorously “charged” Pepe with being a “dinosaur without proper papers” and loitering with the intent to sunbathe. They also cited him for blocking traffic. This playful approach caught a lot of attention and made the story go viral.

Officers Capture Pepe Using Smart and Careful Methods

Officers from the sheriff’s office and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission acted quickly after they got the call on May 25. They arrived at the scene and used careful techniques to catch Pepe safely. The team covered his eyes with a towel because alligators get aggressive when they see eye contact. Then, they taped his mouth shut to keep everyone safe. Trevor Dunnell, the sheriff’s office spokesman, called their work “MacGyver stuff” because they used clever ideas and simple tools. After they captured Pepe, the officers posed for photos, riding the huge alligator like rodeo cowboys. Pepe stayed calm, but it was clear he was a powerful and massive animal.

Pepe’s Size Amazed Everyone, But He’s Not the Largest Ever

Pepe’s size shocked everyone who saw him. Dunnell said even with three grown men sitting on Pepe, the alligator still looked enormous. He compared Pepe’s length to a basketball hoop, which is about 10 feet tall. This comparison helps people imagine how big Pepe really is. Still, Pepe is not the largest alligator on record. The biggest alligator ever measured was 14 feet and 3.5 inches long. So, Pepe is huge but not the absolute biggest. His size makes him a dangerous animal to find on a road, which explains why the officers acted quickly.

The Risks of Leaving Pepe on the Roadway Were Too High

Some people criticized the police online, saying they should have left Pepe alone. However, Dunnell explained why the officers had to act. Pepe could have hurt people, especially children playing near the road. He could also have wandered into traffic, which would have put drivers and the alligator at risk. Leaving Pepe on the roadside was unsafe for everyone. The officers wanted to protect both the public and Pepe. Dunnell emphasized that the animal needed to be moved to a safe place where it could live without endangering others.

Deputies’ Reactions Show How Wild the Rescue Was

The deputies had very different reactions to catching Pepe. Some enjoyed the moment and happily posed on top of the giant gator for pictures. Others were terrified and made it clear they would never go near Pepe again. Dunnell shared that when some deputies returned to the office, they joked about how they would avoid the giant alligator in the future. The experience left a strong impression on the whole team. It also made the rescue story even more memorable and fun for people following the news.

Pepe Was Far From Home and Likely Looking for Sunshine

Dunnell said Pepe was far from his usual home. He guessed that Pepe was searching for a sunny spot to bask on a hot day. Alligators love to warm themselves in the sun, so Pepe probably wandered several miles to find a good place. Nobody knows exactly how far Pepe traveled, but it must have been a long journey for such a big animal. This explains why Pepe ended up sunbathing on a busy road, which is not a natural place for an alligator to relax.

Authorities Release Pepe to a Safer Habitat After Rescue

After capturing Pepe, the officers decided not to charge him with anything. Instead, they took him to a safer location. They released Pepe near a boat ramp at Camp Geiger, which is part of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Dunnell joked that they let Pepe know they dropped the charges. Now, Pepe lives in his natural habitat, close to the beach. He spends his days sunbathing, hunting for food, and possibly looking for a mate. The rescue ended well, and Pepe returned to a place where he can live safely.

This story of Pepe the alligator shows how wildlife can surprise us when it crosses into human spaces. The officers handled the rescue with care and humor. They protected both the giant reptile and the community. Pepe’s adventure reminds us to respect nature and to act responsibly when wild animals appear near us.