The Official Publication of the Kiawah Island Community Association
May 2019
D I G E S T
ISLAND WILDLIFE
A
Practice Alligator Awareness as
Weather Warms
lligators are a common sight on Kiawah and can
be found in just about every pond on the island.
Almost everyone who lives, works or visits the
island has seen these animals. Now that warmer weather
is here, alligators have become much more active 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.
It is especially
important
to
use
caution
around
these
animals during
mating season.
Remember that
alligators are more
active during this
time and will
travel pond-to-
pond, crossing
roads
and/or
trails. Alligator
courtship generally begins in April. Courtship involves
a variety of vocalizations, head-slapping on the water’s
surface, body posturing, snout and back rubbing, bubble
blowing, and pheromone (scent) signals. Mating follows
in May and June, and in late June and early July, the
females lay their eggs.
Check out the safety tips below, as well as some frequently
asked questions
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, dogs and other 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.
• Do not attempt to pick up or handle an alligator for
any reason.