Illegal killing of alligator was recorded and video posted online, NC officials say
A 12-foot alligator became evidence in an unusual crime, after closer inspection revealed it had been fatally shot by a poacher, North Carolina wildlife officials say.
The discovery was made April 2 along U.S. 264 in Dare County, and a tip led to video of the killing posted on social media, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission says.
“Officer John Schlegel received a report that a large alligator was dead, floating in a canal near Stumpy Point, N.C., off Highway 264. Through his investigation it was determined the alligator was shot numerous times,” the commission said.
“A member of the public came forward and reported that a video of the incident was circulating on social media. After reviewing the video, Officer Schlegel was able to determine 23-year-old Noah Voyles of Chesapeake, VA., was involved.”
Voyles was charged April 6 with unlawfully taking an alligator during the closed season, and unlawfully taking a protected species on the N.C. Threatened Species List, state officials said. He pleaded guilty on May 1, and was sentenced to pay $2,283 in fines and replacement costs, complete 200 hours of community service, and forfeit the firearm used in the crime, state officials said.
“In an unforeseen plot twist, officers didn’t have to look far for the weapon. On the same day the alligator was shot, law enforcement had already seized the firearm after the suspect was caught carrying it concealed without a permit,” state officials said.
The restitution paid in the case will go toward research and management of the state’s American alligator population, officials said.
A necropsy conducted by a state wildlife biologist revealed the alligator was nearly 50 years old, the commission said.
Stumpy Point in Dare County is about a 195-mile drive southeast from downtown Raleigh.
This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 2:42 PM with the headline "Illegal killing of alligator was recorded and video posted online, NC officials say."