South Mississippi sailing camp for kids had an unexpected, and scaly, visitor
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- Ocean Springs police responded to an alligator sighting near a children’s sailing camp.
- Mississippi wildlife officials confirmed alligators often swim near coastal areas.
- Feeding or leaving bait for alligators risks habituation and unsafe human interaction.
Ocean Springs police were dispatched Wednesday afternoon after an alligator was reported swimming just feet from beachgoers near Front Beach.
“We were contacted, officers responded out there, and the alligator was off the shoreline in the water,” Ocean Springs Police Chief Steven Dye said.
Marina Romano, a sailing instructor at the Ocean Springs Yacht Club sailing camp, had just finished sailing instruction and brought a number of young campers inside before she noticed the alligator.
“I’ve heard stories. I never believed it, though, until I actually saw it.” Romano said. “We were all just like, ‘What is that?’”
According to Andrew Arnett, alligator program coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, it’s not unusual for alligators to swim near the coast, as they are well-adapted to brackish water.
Arnett said beachgoers don’t need to report alligator sightings when the animals are in their natural habitat. However, he cautioned against feeding alligators or leaving behind bait, which can draw them closer to populated areas.
“Alligators are probably gonna eat dead bait. It’s not intentional, but take your bait. The alligators that are being fed are going to end up becoming habituated to being fed and they get more comfortable,” Arnett said.
This story was originally published June 13, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
