Quick Take
- The owner was busy with a new oven when he spotted the intruder. His reaction is caught on camera.
- Alligators in North Carolina? The state's gator territory may be bigger than you think.
- This three-foot visitor is small. The article explains how big it could get.
- One instinct could turn a funny moment dangerous. Find out what officials say to do instead.
Most people working at a bagel shop expect the occasional unusual customer. Maybe somebody with a complicated order or someone who can’t decide between an everything bagel and a cinnamon raisin. But a three-foot alligator wandering through the kitchen? That’s probably not something covered in employee training.
That’s exactly what happened at Bagel Dock Express in Southport, North Carolina, on October 29, 2026. Surveillance footage captured a small alligator strolling through an open back door before making its way through the kitchen and toward the front counter. The owner, Jesse Driscoll, was busy overseeing the installation of a new oven when he discovered the unexpected visitor. Needless to say, he wasn’t expecting anything with scales and a mouthful of teeth.
The shop was closed to customers at the time, which probably made the encounter a little less chaotic. Still, the footage is pretty entertaining, especially when the owner realizes what’s wandering around his business. Watch the clip now to see this unusual customer make its unexpected entrance!
Watch the Alligator Wander Into the Bagel Shop
After discovering the alligator, Driscoll called 911. Officers from the Southport Police Department and Animal Protective Services responded and safely removed the reptile. Fortunately, nobody was injured, and the alligator was relocated.
Bagel Dock Express even managed to find some humor in the situation, joking on social media that its reputation for fresh bagels must have reached the swamp. Apparently, this little visitor didn’t realize the restaurant was closed!
Wait, There Are Alligators in North Carolina?
Believe it or not, American alligators are native to North Carolina, particularly the coastal regions in the southeastern part of the state. Although people usually associate them with Florida and Louisiana, their natural range extends north along the Atlantic coast. Southport, located near the mouth of the Cape Fear River, is well within their territory.
Alligators typically inhabit freshwater environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, and swamps. However, they occasionally wander through neighborhoods, across roads, and into developed areas. A young alligator may simply be moving between bodies of water when it ends up somewhere unexpected. Exactly what brought this particular reptile to the bagel shop isn’t known, but it certainly took an unusual detour.
How Big Can American Alligators Get?
At approximately three feet long, this alligator was still relatively small. Adult male American alligators commonly reach 10 to 13 feet, while females are generally smaller. Exceptionally large males can grow even longer. That means the reptile wandering around Bagel Dock Express had plenty of growing left to do.
Despite its size, a three-foot alligator is still a wild predator with sharp teeth and powerful jaws. Young alligators feed on smaller prey such as insects, fish, crustaceans, and amphibians. As they grow, they become capable of taking larger animals. Bagels, thankfully, aren’t part of their natural menu.
What Should You Do if an Alligator Wanders Into Your Business?
As funny as this encounter looks on camera, approaching or attempting to handle an alligator yourself is never a good idea. North Carolina wildlife officials advise people to keep their distance, avoid feeding or provoking the animals, and contact the appropriate authorities when an alligator enters a building or creates a public safety concern.
That’s what makes the outcome of this encounter particularly reassuring. The owner contacted authorities, trained personnel handled the removal, and both the people and the alligator came through unharmed.
As for the shop, it’s probably safe to say this was one customer nobody will forget anytime soon. And while Bagel Dock Express might appreciate the unexpected publicity, we’re guessing everyone would prefer that future visitors stick to walking on two legs.
