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Gator spotted on side of busy road in Wilmington

Submitted by Nikki Bussey, News Producer
Thursday, May 30th, 2013, 10:34am
A nine-foot alligator was spotted on Martin Luther King, Junior Parkway in Wilmington Wednesday.

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – A nine-foot alligator was spotted on Martin Luther King, Junior Parkway in Wilmington Wednesday night.

Someone called 911, and minutes later Wildlife Removal Services came to corral the giant. Authorities say it weighed 300 pounds.

The gator drew quite the crowd. About 30 people pulled over to see it.

Wildlife Services officials says they'll put it back in local waters.

Copyright 2013 WECT.  All Rights Reserved.

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PICTURES: Bear spotted in New Hanover County neighborhood

Submitted by WECT Web Staff
Tuesday, April 16th, 2013, 2:23pm
The bear was spotted at the end of the deck behind the lawnmower. (Source: Jason Ashby)
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) - A bear was spotted in a New Hanover County neighborhood Sunday.
The New Hanover County Sheriff's Office confirms that deputies and Animal Control Officers were in the Treasure Cove neighborhood trying to coax the bear back in the woods.
New Hanover County dispatch says that they have received several calls over the past couple of days from people who said they spotted a 200 to 300 pound black bear.
Dispatch says, at the request of Animal Control, they've been advising the public not to feed, chase or try to take pictures with the bear. 

Copyright 2013 WECT. All rights reserved.

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RABIES: Year's first cases identified in raccoons

Submitted by Sarah Crandall, Web Producer
Wednesday, March 13th, 2013, 11:22am
RABIES: Year's first cases identified in raccoons

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – The first cases of rabies this year in New Hanover County have been identified in raccoons, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.

Monday, Animal Services officials were called to the 5000 block of Park Avenue to pick up a raccoon that had been killed by family dogs. The raccoon was taken to the state lab, where it later tested positive for rabies.

The owner of the three dogs involved handled the pets after the killing of the raccoon, which resulted in possible exposure. The dogs were up-to-date on their rabies vaccines, and they were re-boostered after the incident, in accordance with the law.

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Local non-profits help ring in the New Year with a day of service

Submitted by Caraline Waldrep, Traffic Reporter
Wednesday, January 16th, 2013, 12:22pm
Local non-profits help ring in the New Year with a day of service

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - LINC(Leading Into New Communities), FoodCorps, Feast Down East, VISTA, and Corporation for Public and Community Service have come together to host a Martin Luther King Day of Service Event for Monday, Jan. 21 . This event will take place at LINC farm located at 222 Division Drive near the airport from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

 According to the press release, the day will be spent clearing and preparing this future urban farm for spring planting. Community volunteers, students, and corps members will pitch in for this event.

Everyone is welcome to volunteer.  After volunteers finish their farm duties, a celebration meal will be prepared by senior corps volunteers from the Wilmington area.

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Smith Creek Park to close Thursday for filming of ‘Revolution’

Submitted by Sarah Crandall, Web Producer
Thursday, August 9th, 2012, 6:00am
Smith Creek Park to close Thursday for filming of ‘Revolution’

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Smith Creek Park will be closed to traffic Thursday due to filming of the upcoming NBC TV series, Revolution, according to a press release from county officials.

Parking onsite will not be available, and the lake will remain closed, but visitors will still be able to use the park and walking trails.

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Potentially fatal disease spread by mosquitoes found in NHC

Submitted by Ashley Barker, Community Web Producer
Wednesday, July 11th, 2012, 6:33pm
Potentially fatal disease spread by mosquitoes found in NHC

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – A potentially fatal disease that is spread by mosquito bites was found in a local chicken flock, according to the New Hanover County Health Department.

A chicken flock tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a disease that has no cure and no vaccine for humans, in New Hanover County.

“Minimize unprotected outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk, the times during the day when mosquito activity peaks as they search aggressively for blood meals,” stated David Rice, New Hanover County Health Director. “Protective measures include applying insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.”

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Grab some bait, fishing is free Wednesday

Submitted by WECT Web Staff
Wednesday, July 4th, 2012, 11:00am
Grab some bait, fishing is free Wednesday

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Grab some bait, a fishing rod, and throw out a line Wednesday in any public body of water in North Carolina for free.

July 4 is your one chance a year to get hooked on fishing at no cost. Everyone can fish in any public body of water, from mountain trout waters to coastal waters without buying a fishing license.

The State Wildlife Commission added more fish in waters across the state, including trout and channel catfish, to give people a better chance of reeling one in.

Even though the day is free, all other fishing regulations still apply – including size and creel limits.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

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