Pesky alligators prompt order for US Marines to stay out of North Carolina river

U.S. Marines train to face some of the world’s toughest challenges, but they’ve been told to steer clear of alligators at one of their North Carolina bases.

“The designated swimming area at the MCAS New River Marina is temporarily closed due to alligator activity in the area,” the station announced in an Aug. 21 Facebook post.

“Swimming and water activities are prohibited until further notice. The marina remains open for boating.”

Alligators are native to that area, and the station didn’t provide details of what prompted sudden concerns. The predators can reach 13 feet, weigh up to 500 pounds, and are protected by state law, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission says.

Thousands of watery acres along the N.C. coast are used by the Marines for housing and training exercises, including Camp Lejeune and Air Station Cherry Point.

As a result, Marines in the area have become accustomed to sharing space with alligators in unusual ways, including a 2022 instance of Marines being ordered to stop feeding a befriended alligator living beside their barracks.

The decision to close the marina temporarily prompted jokes on social media, including some who noted Marines aren’t afraid of alligators.

“$5 says it’ll be in the barracks on a leash by the end of the day,” Saul Marquez posted on the air station’s Facebook page.

This story was originally published August 22, 2025 at 9:16 AM with the headline "Pesky alligators prompt order for US Marines to stay out of North Carolina river."