HOLDEN BEACH — A 10-foot alligator has been relocated after it showed up on Holden Beach.

The alligator showed up Wednesday morning, moving in and out of the surf and attracting dozens of people.

Holden Beach town manager David Hewett says the alligator created a lot of excitement, even though the town has had bigger gators in the past.

Police watched the alligator until Thomas Padgett with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission arrived. Padgett was able to get a rope around the alligator and played tug-of-war with the animal until it was tired.

Then Padgett was able to get the alligator a large white restraint tube. The alligator was taken to an undisclosed location and released.