Residents may see more alligators as they warm up for mating season. Here’s what to know

Terri Richardson
·2 min read

The warming of weather this time of year will bring more than just beachgoers. It’s also a time for alligators.

Residents may begin to see more alligators soaking up the sun as they try to warm up in preparation for mating season, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

Since alligators can be seen on land or “basking” near any freshwater habitat typically below the fall line, the best thing to do if you come across such a scene is to keep your distance and allow them to enjoy the sunshine, according to the SCDNR.

Alligators are more mobile now because of mating season and residents may see them in places they don’t normally see them because they are trying to get from pond to pond, said Morgan Hart, Alligator Project leader.

That means they could be walking through a yard or end up on someone’s porch because they didn’t know someone’s house was in the way, Morgan said.

Morgan said residents need to realize that “that alligator is scared for its life,” and if they leave them alone, they will move on. Or, if the alligator does get trapped, residents can call the SCDNR and someone can come and help.

Hart said there are 100,000 alligators in South Carolina and 6 million people. Because the Coastal population is only growing, that means there are going to be more interactions of people and alligators.

Alligators view people as predators and they tend to want to stay away from them, Hart said.

They are ambush predators, so they are trying to get warm if you see them lying on the bank. Hart said they are hunting for food if they are in the water.

“They’ve learned that people can be dangerous,” she said.

Hart said it’s very uncommon for a person to be attacked by an alligator. But to minimize the possibility, there are some things residents should and shouldn’t do, according to Hart.

  • First thing is to remember is never feed an alligator, she said. Feeding an alligator can cause them to become a nuisance animal and may approach people looking for food.

  • If an alligator is behaving abnormally or approaching people, especially if it’s in a subdivision or on someone’s property, the Home Owner’s Association or property owner can call the SCDNR at 843-546-6062 to have them removed.

However, alligators cannot be relocated, Hart said. Adult alligators have a homing instinct that causes them to return to where they started, meaning they will cross yards and parking lots to get back where they started. If they are removed, they will be euthanized.

  • Keep pets on a leash and well away from water.

  • The biggest thing is to let them have their space, Hart said.

“Most important part is to be aware of your surroundings, stay away from the water and give alligators their space,” she said.