From The Blog

The Do’s and Don’ts of Alligator Safety

The weather is warming up for spring and Kiawah’s largest predator, the alligator, is more active around the island. It’s essential to be mindful as we share the island with these animals, especially during warmer weather. Review our quick list below of Do’s and Don’ts to make sure you’re making the safest choices.

 

DO’S AND DON’TS OF ALLIGATOR SAFETY

• Don’t walk, sit or play with pets or children at pond edges.
• Do enjoy ponds from a safe distance or safely from a raised dock.
• Don’t get close to alligators or alligator nests. Stay 60 feet away from gators.
• Do back away from and report any alligator that approaches you.
• Don’t ever feed alligators. (Feeding alligators is illegal; it may result in jail time for you and a death sentence for the alligator.)
• Do be mindful when fishing. Alligators may learn to steal fish from lines or associate fishing with food.
• Don’t get close to alligators to get photos or pose near alligators for photos.
• Do use a zoom lens to capture these creatures from afar.
• Don’t try to play a golf ball that lands near an alligator of any size.
• Do refer to the USGA’s Rules of Golf and use Rule 16.2 (Dangerous Animal Condition) to play from a safe area instead.
• Don’t forget to remind your renters and guests about alligator safety, or print this flyer as a reminder.
• Do report any aggressive behavior, or alligator feeding and harassment, to KICA or the town.

 

CONTACT:

• Call 911 if there is an imminent threat to life or if you are actively witnessing a person engaging in the criminal act of alligator feeding/harassment/baiting.
• Call the Town of Kiawah Island at 843-768-9166 during business hours to report an alligator issue.
• Call KICA Security any time at 843-768-5566 to report an alligator issue.

Please share the location and size of the alligator, as well as the time, date, and general details of the encounter.

Get more information about island alligators here.