It’s been unseasonably cool in South Carolina… some mornings we’re shivering in our lightweight jackets. It’s also been a little cool for the local population of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) that call Hilton Head home. As cold-blooded animals, their body temperature fluctuates with the outside temperature. They’re slowly beginning to come out of hibernation to bask on the banks of waterways.
We were happy to enjoy several quite warm days when our youngest son visited us…. perfect weather, I thought, for encouraging alligators from hibernation. Driving around we saw only one huge one by a neighborhood pond. But then, while golfing, our son photographed a lot more just basking in the warm sun. They seem to prefer the quiet ponds and lakes and lagoons along fairways.
What surprised me was seeing his photos of alligators in people’s backyards. Residents and visitors alike are schooled in safety around these giants, but, safe or not, I’d definitely not grill outdoors if I spotted that guy below near my patio.
People are warned not to get closer than 60′ to these living relics. Although they don’t consider humans food, they are incredibly quick and unpredictable. There are strict rules against feeding them (big fines/jail time) or fishing with hot dogs, a fav food, and if one takes a fish you’ve hooked, don’t argue with the alligator. Cut your line. Our golfers were warned about retrieving a golf ball that lands too close to water. An alligator may see the golf ball as a delicious egg. They didn’t need to be told twice!
Alligators do see dogs as food. A little over a year ago an escaped 85-pound husky on the island was killed by an alligator when he stopped to have a drink from a pond. In spite of being protected by state and federal law, that alligator was deemed aggressive and had to be put down.
At the golf course pro shop, I found the perfect alligator for me… a safe one that was friendly and would never attack. I’d love to invite him to be a permanent fixture peeking out from beneath the rhododendrons in my garden at home!
I couldn’t even hit ‘like’ on this one although I am happy you are having a wonderful visit. I like seeing alligators from a little further away. 🙂
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We are having a very nice getaway to South Carolina, but when we check the snowy forecast back in New Hampshire, our very nice getaway becomes a super great getaway.
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From the ice covered north bring some warmth when you return please 🙂
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I’ll bring as much as I can stuff into my suitcase. But it’s just a carry-on so you might not feel the warmth up in Epping. 😊
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lol that you try is all that matters 🙂 will be in the 50’s this weekend.
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If you want to see how many alligators are in a pond, shine a flashlight across the water at night and count the eyeballs! And, be careful!
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😐 I’m sure this works but I’d much rather see someone do it on a nature show.
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Be careful! Maybe bring a cat with you. Did you see the YouTube video of the cat swatting the alligator’s face? Lol.
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No… I haven’t seen that video. But I’m going to search for it right now!
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Looks like a lovely course… for gators. Cool in Carolina is warmer than New England right? Have to laugh a little at this post. We purchased a second home about 10 years ago on a golf course in Florida. We had to learn all the gator etiquette and have had a few scarey moments but that doesn’t stop me from taking photos of them. We have a canal in our backyard which they frequent, but I am very careful outside at night and every time I hear a noise I think one is coming to get me. Enjoy your vacay.
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This time of year they look a little lethargic but I bet they could still out run me! I’m not sure I’d go out at night with the gators living so close. 😯
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