2
June 2016
What You Need
to Know About
Alligator Safety
on Kiawah
Alligators are a common sight on
Kiawah and can be found in just about
Alligators are more active with the every pond on the island. Almost
warmer weather.
everyone who lives, works or visits the
island has seen these animals. Now that
Please adhere to Kiawah's rules
summer is here, alligators have become
for alligator safety
much more active and visible and have
resumed feeding after the cold winter months. While alligators
can appear lethargic and docile, they are capable of great speed,
power and agility, especially when pursuing prey.
Story Highlights
In early April, an alligator on the western end of the island
caught and killed a dog that had escaped from a nearby home.
This unfortunate incident is a staunch reminder that alligators
are potentially dangerous animals and should always be treated
with respect. It is also a reminder to keep pets on a leash at all
times on the island (as required by Town Ordinance) and to
keep them away from ponds and pond edges.
In light of the recent incident, KICA asks that all members,
visitors and guests review and adhere to the following safety
rules for alligators listed below.
Alligator Safety Rules
• Never approach an alligator. Maintain a distance of 60 feet
from alligators unless on an elevated dock or boardwalk.
• Do not feed alligators.
• Do not poke, prod or otherwise harass alligators.
• Do not throw fish scraps or bait into ponds when fishing
or crabbing.
• Keep children and pets out of ponds and away from pond edges.
• Do not approach alligator nests or hatchlings. Female
alligators are very vigilant and protective of their young.
• Do not retrieve golf balls that land in ponds or near an
alligator; take a drop.
• Do not attempt to pick up or handle an alligator for any reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are dog/alligator incidents on Kiawah Island?
Uncommon. Over the last 20 years, Kiawah has averaged about
one incident every three years. Most incidents have occurred
Digest Contributors
Frances Boyd - Member Volunteer
Virginia Chapel - Member Volunteer
Bill Hindman - Member Volunteer
Shauneen Hutchinson - Member Volunteer
Sue Schaffer - Feature reporter
Deb Stewart - Member Volunteer
when dogs accidentally, or unknowingly, escaped from their
owners and entered ponds or approached a pond edge.
How common are human/alligator incidents on Kiawah?
Alligators do not view people as prey and incidents are extremely
rare. There have been two minor incidents on Kiawah Island in
the last 40 years. Both of these incidents could have been easily
avoided if safety rules had been followed. Statewide, there have
been a number of documented incidents, but never a fatality.
How many alligators live on Kiawah Island?
Approximately 600 - 700 alligators live on Kiawah. Kiawah’s
alligator population is allowed to fluctuate naturally and has
remained stable over the last 10 years. It is safe to assume that
there is at least one alligator, usually more, in every body of
water on the island.
What is a nuisance alligator?
A nuisance alligator is an individual alligator that has become
a significant public safety risk. This typically occurs when an
alligator has been fed and has lost its inherent fear of people. All
reports of nuisance alligators are evaluated by island biologists.
If the alligator meets the nuisance alligator criteria, it is captured
and killed using “nuisance” tags issued by SCDNR. There is no
other harvest or removal of alligators on Kiawah Island.
If an alligator approaches me while fishing or crabbing
what should I do?
Use caution and remove your lines from the water. If an alligator
is hooked on your line, cut the line immediately. Report the
incident to the Town of Kiawah Island (843-768-9166) during
normal business hours or to KICA Security (843-768-5566) at
all other times.
Why are alligators important to Kiawah Island?
Alligators have been on earth for almost 100 million years
and are a vital part of the delicate Kiawah Island ecosystem.
Young alligators provide food for many species of birds and
mammals, larger alligators help control populations of prey
species, and abandoned “gator holes” or wallows provide
critical freshwater habitat for countless species of animals.
Their presence is an indicator of the health of the island’s
lakes and ponds and the island itself.
Staff Production Team
Doug Reynolds - Communications/Editor
Tammy McAdory - Executive Director
accurately and effectively communicate information to the
membership in a balanced and constructive manner.
Statement of Editorial Policy
KICA will endeavor to report significant island news as well
as informational topics, programs and events of interest to its
members. KICA may from time to time publish editorials in support
Digest Mission Statement
Kiawah Island Digest is an official communications tool of of its strategic objectives. Member suggestions on content should
be submitted by email to [email protected]
the Kiawah Island Community Association. Its mission is to