Dinosaurs of the Lowcountry
by Jim Jordan
The alligator and its crocodilian relatives are present-day remnants of the prehistoric era, dating back
over 150 million years. Alligators were abundant throughout their range in Colonial times but declined
significantly in the 1950’s and 60’s due to unregulated harvest and poaching. Alligators have
been protected since the early 1970’s and their numbers have increased dramatically
since that time. Based on the most recent survey, Kiawah Island is currently home
to more than 500 alligators.
Alligators are a common sight on Kiawah Island and are typically
seen basking on pond edges and lazily swimming across Island
ponds. The warming weather of spring triggers breeding activity in
alligators, and the low, guttural bellowing of males can be heard
throughout the Island. Female alligators build a large mound of
sticks, mud and grasses where they deposit 30 to 50 oblong, white
eggs. After 65 days, the hatchlings begin to vocalize and the female
will uncover them in the nest. She then transports the hatchlings, often several at a time, in her
mouth to a nearby pond. Hatchlings form together into pods for protection and slowly begin
growth toward adulthood. It takes approximately 10-15 years for an alligator to reach breeding age and size of six to seven
feet.
Alligators eat a variety of animals, constantly shifting their diet towards larger prey items as they increase in size.
Prey items include snakes, turtles, birds, fish, raccoons, deer and even other alligators.
The alligator population on Kiawah Island is both healthy and stable. The population is allowed to manage itself
naturally, except in the case of aggressive alligators. An aggressive alligator is one that has lost its fear of humans, typically
as a result of being fed. Aggressive alligators are removed from the Island by the Town of Kiawah Island.
Take time to enjoy these modern day dinosaurs for they are truly a unique part of Kiawah Island’s ecosystem, but
always remember to follow these few simple rules:
• Do not feed alligators
• Do not approach within 60 feet of an alligator
• Do not throw fish scraps or leftover crab bait into ponds
• Keep small children and pets away from pond edges at all times
• Report aggressive alligators to KICA Security (843-768-5566) or Town Hall (843-768-9166)
Photograph courtesy of Sylvia Bacon
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