American Alligator

Kiawah Island is home to a very healthy population of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis). Alligators can be seen in almost all of the 183 brackish and freshwater ponds which are interspersed throughout the island. Most alligators seen will be between 3-8 feet in length, though larger alligators up to 11 feet are present in some areas of the island. Alligators are cold-blooded which means that they cannot self-regulate their body temperature as humans do. For this reason, alligators are most active during the spring, summer, and fall. They will often be seen basking on pond edges in the sun in an attempt to warm their body temperature, especially during colder weather.

SAFETY TIPS AND REGULATIONS NEVER APPROACH WITHIN 60 FEET OF AN ALLIGATOR. Alligators may seem slow and lethargic but they are capable of great speed over short distances. The population of alligators on Kiawah Island is allowed to grow and fluctuate naturally unless the alligator becomes a serious public safety risk. This typically occurs when alligators become habituated to people as a result of individuals feeding them directly or indirectly though activities such as crabbing. When fishing or crabbing on Kiawah, please do not throw excess bait into the water. If an alligator approaches, use caution and remove your lines from the water. DO NOT FEED THE ISLAND’S ALLIGATORS. It is against state and local law to feed or entice alligators with food. If convicted, offending individuals can receive a $200 fine and up to 30 days in prison. It is also against the law to harass or harm an alligator in any way. This includes throwing rocks, sticks, or any object at an alligator. If convicted, fines can be up to $5,000 and 1 year in prison. Anyone witnessing unlawful actions against alligators should report them to Kiawah Island Community Association (KICA) Security immediately (768-5566).

ALLIGATOR MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Records are kept by the Town of Kiawah Island concerning reports of aggressive alligators. These alligators are monitored and if they are deemed to be a significant public safety threat then appropriate steps are taken to obtain a nuisance alligator removal permit from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. An alligator becomes a public safety risk if it approaches people in an aggressive manner typically because it has learned to associate people with food. Alligators removed under these permits are captured and euthanized by authorized state personnel. Individuals should report all encounters with aggressive alligators to the Town of Kiawah Island by phone(768-9166 ext. 405) or KICA Security (768-5566).

2 nuisance alligators were removed each year from Kiawah Island during 2005-2007, compared to 8 during 2004.

On average, 2-8 nuisance alligators are removed each year. A more common problem occurs when alligators show up in unusual and unacceptable places. This may include under a car, in a flower bed, on a front porch, or on the beach. These alligators are typically small and are captured and relocated to a new area.