Unexpected Visitor at North Carolina Bagel Shop
A routine day at a bagel shop in Southport, North Carolina, took an unexpected turn when a three-foot alligator ventured inside, prompting a swift response from local authorities.
The incident occurred on October 29, as surveillance footage revealed the reptile slipping through an open back door and making its way through the kitchen towards the front counter of Bagel Dock Express.
Owner’s Startled Reaction
Owner Jesse Driscoll captured the attention of onlookers with his startled reaction as he noticed the alligator. In a split second, he retreated from the creature and promptly dialed 911 for assistance.
At the time of the encounter, the shop was closed to customers, and Driscoll was distracted by workers installing a new oven when the unusual visitor appeared. “It’s just so far out of the ordinary for a bagel shop,” he stated.
Authorities Step In
Authorities from the Southport Police Department and Animal Protective Services responded quickly to the scene, safely capturing and relocating the alligator. The police department later confirmed the incident in a Facebook post, detailing how they worked alongside Animal Protective Services Officer Ward to handle the situation.
Humorous Take on the Encounter
In a lighthearted note, Bagel Dock Express shared their own take on the unexpected visit through a Facebook update. They remarked, “Apparently, word of our fresh bagels has made its way into the swamp!” They reassured the public that there were no injuries, framing the situation as a “very unusual customer” rather than an alarming event.
Recent Alligator Sightings in Southport
This encounter was not the first unusual alligator sighting in Southport this year. In April, officers were called to remove a 12-foot alligator from a residential property, and another incident involved a smaller alligator found hiding beneath a vehicle at a local bank’s drive-through.
Bagel Dock Express remains open for business, and it seems their culinary offerings have now garnered attention beyond their typical clientele.
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