SOUTHPORT, N.C. (WNCN) — Officers at the North Carolina coast were called last week to deal with an alligator climbing a fence and headed toward a busy road, police said. The incident was reported Tuesday afternoon in the Brunswick County town of Southport, according to the Southport Police Dep artment. Southport is about 15 miles south of Wilmington, near the mouth of the Cape Fear River, adjacent to Caswell Beach, with Bald Head Island nearby. Southport Animal Protective Services Officer Kate Marshall, along with police officers, were called to the scene to deal with the small alligator that was "in distress". RELATED: Gators stirring at NC coast as weather warms; 12 spotted on Brunswick County river Southport Police Department photo "The gator was reportedly climbing a fence and nearing traffic," police said in a news release. Photos from police showed Marshall and officers trying to wrangle the reptile into a pipe-like unit that would contain the gator for transport. Marshall is a certified jurisdictional alligator handler through the N.C. Wildlife Association. "We appreciate her hard work, commitment, and passion," police said. Southport Police Department photo Southport officers reminded residents about how to cope with gators as they become active: Always maintain a safe distance Never feed alligators Keep pets leashed and away from water/ponds Be mindful of surroundings, especially during dawn and dusk Brunswick County is a hotbed of alligator activity in the state. Nearby Orton Pond contains nearly 100 alligators. Southport Police Department photo ...read more read less