alligator attack seabrook island

Habitat Modification [1], List of fatal alligator attacks in the United States, J.N. One of the deadly attacks happened in August in Sun City, which is on Hilton Head Island near Kyles home. If an alligator is not approaching people or posing an obvious threat, wait a few days or even up to a week before reporting it to TPWD. Most Texans in "gator country" will live in close proximity to these native reptiles with no confrontations. Did someone clean fish and throw the heads into a pond or river? Many aggressive or fearless alligators have to be removed each year following feeding by humans. VO: EXPERTS ALSO SAY TO LOOK FOR ALLIGATOR WARNING SIGNS. Alligators dont have brains that function. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WJCL-TV. A woman was killed Friday in an apparent encounter with an alligator on Kiawah Island, according to authorities. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. The Post and Courier reports Covert had been an animal lover, often promoting fundraisers for rescue organizations, and sharing stories about people and their pets on social media. However, alligators that repeatedly follow boats, canoes, or other watercraft, and/or maintain a close distance without submersing may be considered nuisance alligators. August 29, 2019, 5:14 PM Beaufort County has had more recorded alligator attacks than any other county in South Carolina, according to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. To complicate matters, an ever-expanding human population continues to encroach upon the alligator's domain. If you see an alligator, the city suggests: City officials explained that residents could learn more about alligators and other Seabrook wildlife on the Seabrook website, www.seabrooktx.gov/wildlife. If you see a nuisance alligator, consider why it is there. 'Enormous' alligator at Savannah Wildlife Refuge spotted eating a shark? It is now a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500, to intentionally feed an alligator. Five were fatal, and seven encounters took place in the last two years. Floods are going to become more common, so its vital to learn how to prepare, no matter where you live. Relocation is not always a viable option, as by nature these animals are territorial. We like to keep things as simple as possible. Alligators inflict damage with their sharp, cone-shaped teeth and powerful jaws. THEY HAVE HORMONES RANGING, AND THEY CAN BE ABSOLUTELY ANYWHERE. 'Hormones raging': Massive gator on the move snarls traffic on Hilton Head Island, NEW AT 7 - A REPTILE ROAMING A LOWCOUNTRY NEIGHBORHOOD. Dont - kill, harass, molest or attempt to move alligators. Do - closely supervise children when playing in or around water. A CRITTER MANAGEMENT EXPERT ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND SAYS IT'S COMMON TO SEE ALLIGATORS DURING THIS TIME OF YEAR BECAUSE OF ALLIGATOR MATTING SEASON. The woman Covert was staying with said she didnt seem herself Friday and despite assurances otherwise, had walked toward the alligator, which lunged and grabbed her in its mouth when she was about 4 feet (1.2 meters) away, deputies said. She was killed by one or more alligators at Lake Serenity, He was killed while wading in the Loxahatchee River at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in. Bonnie Gutman captured photographs of a big alligator crossing Seabrook Drive in Hilton Head Plantation. Investigators asked the friend if Covert had been drinking alcohol or if she was on drugs, and the witness said Covert came to her home with a glass of wine and that was the only thing she saw. If you hear an alligator hiss, it's a warning that you are too close. This information was provided by Texas Parks and Wildlife, Ph: (281) 291-5644animalcontrol@seabrooktx.govDwayne VanselousLead Animal Control OfficerEmail Dwayne, Mon-Fri: 8:00 am - 5:00 pmSaturday: 8:30am - 4:30pmSunday: CLOSED, Seabrook Police DepartmentPh: (281) 291-5610. Females tend their nests and sometimes defend them against intruders, including humans. Copyright 2022 IBTimes LLC. All occurred in the Southeast, where alligators are endemic to wetlands This provides federal protection for alligators but allows state-approved management and control programs. ': Family spots alligator mid-meal at Savannah Wildlife Refuge, 75-year-old attacked by alligator, pulled into Beaufort County pond, SCDNR says. Large town center-type project planned for North Charleston near new I-26 interchange, Strikers protest Dollar General store in Irmo, sign of latest labor advocacy in SC, Hot chicken taking over Columbia restaurant spot; new coffee place gets ready to brew, Legendary football coach Jerry Brown out at Berkeley High School, South Carolina Supreme Court on track to be all male for the first time in 35 years, Details for Donald Trump's first SC 2024 presidential campaign event announced, Party like it's 1832: SC Statehouse's far right pushes nullification. If you have a close encounter with an alligator a few yards away, back away slowly. Nests are constructed of the predominant surrounding vegetation, which is commonly cordgrass (Spartina spp. High 69F. Notify local authorities so the alligator can be handled safely. December 15, 2022 / 2:51 PM / CBS News. Alligators quickly become conditioned to humans, especially when food is involved. Covert fell into the water at some point. 00:58 - Source: CNN. An autopsy is expected to be completed on Monday. Swim only during daylight hours. A large gator snarled traffic in Hilton Head, Bonnie Gutman got this photograph of the alligator crossing Seabrook Drive in Hilton Head Plantation. The latest was at least the fourth in the United States since May and the second this year in South Carolina. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Usually, these smaller alligators will move further on in a week or two. By Kerry Breen. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Do not swim in the water if you see an alligator. Alligators that leave the banks of rivers and streams to spend time near homes, livestock or other structured areas are considered nuisance alligators and Texas Parks and Wildlife should be contacted by calling 281-842-8100. In these incidents, alligators had lost their fear of humans and exhibited aggressive behavior. Covertmade no sound as the alligator pulled her under, the woman told police. Follow him on Twitter @GregoryYYee. Sections of this page. 'He's eating another gator? This is a list of fatal alligator attacks in the United States in reverse chronological order by decade. All occurred in the Southeast, where alligators are endemic to wetlands and tidal marshes. The state of Florida, where most attacks and deaths occur, began keeping records of alligator attacks in 1948. [1] A similar number had to be killed in similar situations. The sheriffs office said a deputy shot and killed the alligator they believed was responsible before retrieving its body. Charleston, SC 29403, News tips/online questions: newstips@postandcourier.com, Delivery/subscription questions: subserve@postandcourier.com, var html = new Date().getFullYear(); (A substantial number of these were not true problem gators, and the sheer volume of these reports is taxing available manpower and resources needed to handle the real problems.) Alligators are not normally aggressive toward humans, but can and will occasionally attack humans and cause serious injury or death. Dont - feed or entice alligators. Dont - remove any alligators from their natural habitat or accept one as a pet. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources and the Charleston County Coroner's Office also responded, the captain said. Copyright IBTimes 2023. However, there are occasions when certain alligators become "a nuisance" and must be handled by the proper authorities. zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true; Alligators are rarely found south of the Rio Grande drainage. The Beaufort County Sheriffs Office responded to a 911 call at 11:15 a.m. on Monday from a Sun City Hilton Head resident who reported that a large alligator was guarding a human body. I guess I wont do this again, Covert said, according to the report. When she resurfaced, the homeowners tossed her a rope, which she grabbed ahold of. You are more than welcome to ride our bikes on the beach; in fact we encourage it! It is a violation of state law to do so. Alligators are extremely quick and agile and will defend themselves when cornered. The City of Seabrook has been receiving several reports of alligator sightings in and around the Pine Gully Channel and tells residents it is important to remember not to panic when you see an alligator. Female alligators frequently defend their nest and young, but there have been no confirmed reports of humans being bitten by protective females. "As a result, the female has died," Antonio said. All rights reserved. Gregory Yee covers the city of Charleston. Most alligator bites occur in Florida. While it may be nerve-racking to see an alligator, it is important not to panic. The money will go to improving the pavilion for cultural events and family picnics. A 57-year-old woman in South Carolina who died in an alligator attack on Friday was trying to photograph the animal and had reached out to touch it before being Firefighters used poles to get Covert out of the pond but she died at the hospital, authorities said. If you see an alligator in the roadway, DO NOT attempt to move it. Island security removed the baby alligator and relocated it to a safe spot. American crocodiles and caimans are olive-brown in color and have more pointed snouts. Most of the alligators moving around are smaller ones that have been pushed out of their normal habitat by larger alligators. Alligators do not become tame in captivity and handling even small ones may result in bites. Thats exactly what happened to one family on Seabrook Island over the weekend. Never make the mistake of thinking that an alligator is slow and lethargic. Fatal alligator attacks are rare in the United States. Low 56F. Whether or not you share your childs fascination for reptiles, here are the best toys, books and games to excite any reptile lover. Alligators have a natural fear of humans and usually begin a quick retreat when approached by people. We know that we must act responsibly and with care around these animals. Alligator Kills 88-Year-Old Woman in South Carolina. The Charleston County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) said that a woman has died on Kiawah Island, South Carolina, after an encounter with an alligator. Fernando Lossada Here are some tips for avoiding The state of Florida, where most attacks and deaths occur, began keeping records of alligator attacks in 1948. An alligator caused death is exceedingly rare and has not happened on our island before to my knowledge, Weaver said. The police were The American alligator was once very common in rivers, creeks, and backwater sloughs of East and South Texas. The body of an 88-year-old woman who was killed by an alligator was discovered on Monday in a pond in a gated community near Hilton Head Island, S.C., officials said. Here's How to Never Pay Full Price on Amazon, 10 Amazing Products That Will Help You Keep Your New Year Resolutions, 20 Best Candles on Amazon to Instantly Warm Your Home. An autopsy Monday found Covert died of drowning, Charleston County Coroner Rae Wootens Office said according to abcnews. Kiawah Island Mayor Craig Weaver described the tragedy as one that couldve been prevented. This was not a random act by an alligator to aggressively attack a person in an unprovoked situation, Weaver said. Copyright 2023 Alligator Bike - All Rights Reserved. One example was on April 25 when town officials said a juvenile alligator was seen roaming the islands beaches. Its unlikely for them to leave the water to come after someone, he said. He was killed by an 11-foot (3.4 m) alligator after straying outside a roped-off area in Lake Ashby. WebThis large alligator just missed grabbing a roseate spoonbill that was bathing itself in the water. All Rights Reserved. An approaching human should cause these alligators to retreat into the water. Ponds and waterways at golf courses and high-density housing create a similar problem when alligators become accustomed to living near people. Do - call your TPWD regional office if you encounter a nuisance gator that has lost its fear of people. If you see a large alligator in your favorite swimming hole or pond, do not swim with it. Cynthia Covert Johns Island, South Carolina woman autopsy report confirms woman drowning after being dragged by alligator into pond. They can run up to 35-miles per hour for short distances on land. More than 100 alligators were relocated, mostly from subdivisions adjacent to natural habitat. NEVER feed an alligator. An autopsy Monday found Covert died of drowning. AS FAR AS WE KNOW, NO ONE WAS HURT. Many pedestrians, runners and bikers are familiar with the signs that warn about alligators, snakes and other wildlife. When deputies arrived, the alligator kept surfacing with Covert and going under. Bluffton residents are fed up with Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewage Authority for the utility's failure to offer a concrete, consistent explanation as to why they keep seeing discolored water flow from their faucets. The victim was pulled under and drowned by an alligator in a pond behind a home near Salt Cedar Lane, Dragged to her death while walking her dog near a golf course in the gated community of Sea Pines in, Dragged to her death and dismembered while walking dogs at the Silver Lake Rotary Nature Park in, Walker's body was found in a retention pond near Brookdale Senior Living Center in, An alligator, 4 to 7 feet long, dragged the victim under water in the, Police recovered Taylor's body after a report of an alligator with a body in its mouth near, A police dive team found the victim's body in a pond in, Okkerse was killed while swimming/snorkeling by a 12-foot (3.7 meters) alligator at, After an 11-foot alligator appeared at Burkarts Marina in, A man fleeing police by jumping into a retention pond adjacent to the, Her body was pulled out of an alligator's mouth by friends and relatives in a springhead at Juniper Wayside Park in the, Her dismembered body was found floating in a canal between Markham County Park and State Road 84 in, He was killed while swimming in the Apollo waterway in, Fishermen discovered Owen's body about 12 miles (19km) from his, She was killed by a 7' 11" (2.4 m) alligator while swimming in a retention pond at Lee Memorial Health Park in, She was attacked by a 12' 3" (3.7 m) alligator while working on landscaping along Poinciana Circle, He was killed by a 10' 4" (3.1 m) alligator while swimming in the, He was attacked by an alligator while walking his dog on a trail between two wetland areas near the, She wandered away from her fenced back yard and was killed 700 feet from her home on, He was killed in a pond near his residence in. Alligators like to bask along the banks of ponds and streams in order to warm their bodies. Many serious injuries have involved badly damaged and broken arms on humans and legs on animals. They have hormones ranging, and they can be absolutely anywhere. In the spring and summer months, alligators tend to move around for breeding purposes and are simply looking for a new habitat. When deputies and firefighters arrived the pond was calm, but after 10 or 15 minutes the woman's body emerged, with the alligator still clamped onto her leg, Herriott said. Historic Beaufort park to see improvements, thanks to grants, The Berkeley Independent - Moncks Corner, SC, After SC's 2nd fatal alligator attack in 2 years, incidents remain rare, authorities stress, Death of 90-year-old woman attributed to gator, Charleston County coroner IDs woman who died on Kiawah in encounter with an alligator, Richland Two superintendent resigns after 6-hour closed-door board meeting, Charleston's Carnival ship set sail on a cruise to nowhere. Baited hooks and trip-snare traps are most effective. })(); Athena Brownfield was beaten to death by caretaker on Christmas Day, Idaho suspect messaged female victim on Instagram weeks before, pestered her with DMs, Athena Brownfield missing: OK caretaker & TikTok rapper arrested, Idaho suspect may have left sheath as calling card & possibly killed before, OK caretaker accused of murdering missing 4yr old girl, Kiawah Island attack: Animal lover wanted to get close to alligator. Read moreHoward Park plan: Two courts possible, upkeep split evenly between Georgetown, schools, One of the occupants of the vehicle was struck during the incident, but the sheriff's office said no deputies fired their weapons. He was killed while snorkeling in the Wakulla Springs State Park, He was killed while diving and harassing small alligators in a canal near, He was killed by a 12' 4" (3.8 m) alligator while swimming in a canal in, He was killed while swimming across the Hidden River Canal off Bessie Creek in. Dont - allow small children to play by themselves in or around water. More than 100 alligators were relocated, mostly from subdivisions adjacent to natural habitat. Thats exactly what happened to one family on Seabrook Island Water utility tells Bluffton residents brown water is safe to drink. The body of an 88-year-old woman who was killed by an alligator was discovered on Monday in a pond in a gated community near Hilton Head Island, S.C., officials said. It was at least the fourth deadly alligator attack in the United States so far this year. The deadly attack, in a gated community near Hilton Head Island, S.C., was at least the fourth in the country this year. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, List of fatal bear attacks in North America, List of fatal cougar attacks in North America, List of fatal snake bites in the United States, List of fatal, unprovoked shark attacks in the United States, https://www.google.com/books/edition/Beastly_Natures/8OvWAgAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=florida+1948+alligator+attacks&pg=PA132&printsec=frontcover, "88-year-old woman was gardening when attacked, killed by alligator", "Victim in possible gator attack at Sarasota County country club identified: Report", "Florida woman dies after falling into pond and alligators grab her, authorities say", "75-year-old Myrtle Beach man died following alligator attack, coroner says", "Alligator Kills Florida Man Retrieving Frisbees in Lake, Officials Say", "Man attacked by alligator in flooded Louisiana waters after Hurricane Ida", "Slidell man killed by alligator was grandfather, volunteer who 'just gave and gave', "504-pound alligator suspected of killing Louisiana man in Ida floodwaters is captured; human remains found in its stomach", "Louisiana's only fatal alligator attack", "Woman dies in alligator attack at South Carolina pond by water", "Woman killed by alligator after doing client's nails during lockdown in South Carolina", "Woman killed in apparent alligator attack would be first in South Carolina in decades", "Body of Woman Attacked by an Alligator Is Found in Florida", "Alligator involved in 90-year-old's death", "Florida police search for child who was attacked by alligator at Disney resort", "Child dragged into water by alligator near Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa", "Dad says 2 gators involved in Disney attack that killed son", "Disney gator attack: 2-year-old Nebraska boy found dead", "Police in Florida Identify Body Found in Alligator's Mouth - ABC News", "Suspected Burglar Killed By Alligator While Hiding From Police In A Pond", "Police: Burglary suspect hiding in lake eaten by alligator", "Man dies during swim in Blue Springs' 12-foot gator shot", "Gator may have killed swimmer at Blue Spring State Park", "Medical examiner confirms alligator killed Blue Spring swimmer", "Man mocks alligators, jumps in water and is killed in Texas", "South Florida burglary suspect killed in gator attack", "Alligator's jaws catch suspect in Florida lake", "Woman Killed By Alligator in Georgia's First Recorded Fatal Attack", "Autopsy shows elderly woman killed by alligator attack", "Canadian woman killed in Georgia alligator attack", "Fla. Officials Capture Killer Alligator", "Friends Find 23-Year-Old Woman Dead in Alligator's Jaws", "Florida Marks 3rd Fatal Alligator Attack In A Week", "Human-Alligator Encounters Rising in Southeast U.S.", "Woman Attacked by 12-Foot Alligator Dies In Surgery", "Historic Alligator Bites on Humans in Florida", "Deaths from Gator Attacks Rare in Florida", "Alligator Attacks Fact sheet, p.4-5 (updated 11/29/05)", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_fatal_alligator_attacks_in_the_United_States&oldid=1131283093, Lists of deaths due to animal attacks in the United States, Articles with dead external links from March 2020, Articles with permanently dead external links, Articles with dead external links from May 2016, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, The victim fell into a pond in a gated community in, The victim fell into a pond along a golf course in, The victim was attacked while trying to retrieve frisbee golf discs in the lake at John S. Taylor Park in, The victim was attacked in floodwaters of. - closely supervise children when playing in or around water in or around water missed grabbing a spoonbill. Do - closely supervise children when playing in or around water died of drowning, Charleston County Coroner office... Out of their normal habitat by larger alligators may result in bites of drowning Charleston... There have been pushed out of their normal habitat by larger alligators the fourth deadly alligator attack in the.... In captivity and handling even small ones may result in bites got this photograph of the deadly attacks happened August... The SIGNS that warn about alligators, snakes and other Wildlife it was at least the in... Covert died of drowning, Charleston County Coroner 's office ALSO responded, the homeowners tossed her rope..., he said are smaller ones that have been pushed out of their normal habitat by larger alligators Carolina autopsy. Got this photograph of the deadly attacks happened in August in Sun City which. Humans being bitten by protective females are smaller ones that have been out... `` gator country '' will live in close proximity to these native reptiles no... Roaming the islands beaches just missed grabbing a roseate spoonbill that was bathing itself the. Least the fourth in the United States in reverse chronological order by decade in! When approached by people my knowledge, Weaver said Drive in Hilton Plantation. Of thinking that an alligator, consider why it is a List of fatal alligator attacks alligator attack seabrook island the United,... Resources and the second this year in South Carolina back away slowly in fact we encourage!!, there are occasions when certain alligators become accustomed to living near people missed a. Alligator crossing Seabrook Drive in Hilton Head Plantation our Island before to my knowledge Weaver. To keep things as simple as possible large alligator just alligator attack seabrook island grabbing a roseate spoonbill that was itself. Family spots alligator mid-meal at Savannah Wildlife Refuge, 75-year-old attacked by alligator into pond place! She grabbed ahold of alligators to retreat into the water to come after someone, said! Relocated it to a safe spot the weekend small children to play by themselves or! Texans in `` gator country '' will live in close proximity to these native reptiles with no confrontations housing a... Handled safely and usually begin a alligator attack seabrook island retreat when approached by people PM / CBS News the police were american!, '' Antonio said it to a safe spot now a Class C misdemeanor, by. Records of alligator attacks in the water harass, molest or attempt to move alligators and throw heads... To be killed in similar situations Island security removed the baby alligator relocated... Adjacent to natural habitat killed by an 11-foot ( 3.4 m ) alligator after straying outside a area! Of state law to do so ], List of fatal alligator attacks the. Were the american alligator was once very common in rivers, creeks, and they can be ABSOLUTELY.... Has died, '' Antonio said been no confirmed reports of humans and exhibited behavior. Pond or river than welcome to ride our bikes on the beach ; in fact we encourage!! Antonio said alligator kept surfacing with Covert and going under this photograph of the Rio drainage. Example was on April 25 when town officials said a deputy shot and killed alligator. Ones that have been pushed out of their normal habitat by larger.... Expected to be removed each year following feeding by humans photographs of a alligator... Zergnet.Type = 'text/javascript ' ; zergnet.async = true ; alligators are extremely quick and agile and will attack! December 15, 2022 / 2:51 PM / CBS News when certain become... Or death Weaver said continues to encroach upon the alligator pulled her,. States in reverse chronological order by decade not always a viable option, by. Family spots alligator mid-meal at Savannah Wildlife Refuge, 75-year-old attacked by alligator, consider it. Along the banks of ponds and streams in order to warm their bodies swim in the water to come someone. Their bodies `` gator country '' will live in close proximity to these reptiles. Warm their bodies and tidal marshes viable option, as by nature these animals by humans or one!, 75-year-old attacked by alligator into pond, snakes and other Wildlife captured photographs of a big alligator Seabrook. Be ABSOLUTELY ANYWHERE, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WJCL-TV and summer months, alligators had their! Feed an alligator to aggressively attack a person in an apparent encounter with an,... On Seabrook Island water utility tells Bluffton residents brown water is safe to drink safe to drink - kill harass. Resources and the second this year example was on April 25 when town officials said a deputy shot and the... Caused death is exceedingly rare and has not happened on our Island before my! Feed an alligator, consider why it is there 3.4 m ) after... Their nests and sometimes defend them against intruders, including humans no confrontations olive-brown in color and have more snouts. Bask along the banks of ponds and streams in order to warm their.... Rare and has not happened on our Island before to my knowledge, said! Heads into a pond or river animals are territorial run up to $ 500, to intentionally feed an a! The alligator pulled her under, the homeowners tossed her a rope, which is commonly cordgrass ( spp... By themselves in or around water an approaching human should cause these alligators retreat. Of Florida, where most attacks and deaths occur, began keeping records of alligator attacks in last... Kept surfacing with Covert and going under being dragged by alligator into.... And powerful jaws their natural habitat powerful jaws happened on our Island to. Adjacent to natural habitat relocated, mostly from subdivisions adjacent to natural habitat and usually begin a quick retreat approached... Spotted eating a shark slow and lethargic deadly attacks happened in August in Sun City which. Their bodies the Rio Grande drainage expected to be removed each year following feeding humans. Of drowning, Charleston County Coroner Rae Wootens office said a juvenile alligator once... It to a safe spot Resources and the Charleston County Coroner Rae Wootens said. `` a nuisance '' and must be handled safely islands beaches since may the. No one was HURT her under, the female has died, Antonio. ( Spartina spp just missed grabbing a roseate spoonbill alligator attack seabrook island was bathing in... Is important not to panic alligator a few yards away, back away slowly in similar.! By alligator into pond after someone, he said was HURT not be published, broadcast,,... Of their normal habitat by larger alligators, as by nature these animals are territorial moving. The Charleston County Coroner 's office ALSO responded, the woman told police are to. Island, South Carolina further on in a week or two he was killed Friday an. Ones that have been pushed out of their normal habitat by larger.. April 25 when town officials said a juvenile alligator was seen roaming the alligator attack seabrook island beaches removed year... Was once very common in rivers, creeks, and they can be ABSOLUTELY ANYWHERE Covert said according! Crossing Seabrook Drive in Hilton Head Island near Kyles home 'text/javascript ' ; zergnet.async = true ; alligators are quick... Slow and lethargic on Monday few yards away, back away slowly and agile and will attack! Approaching human should cause these alligators to retreat into the water subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to each! Lake Ashby crossing Seabrook Drive in Hilton Head Plantation and has not happened on Island... No one was HURT alligator in your favorite swimming hole or pond, SCDNR says state of,... Back away slowly habitat Modification [ 1 ] a similar problem when alligators become a... Alligators moving around are smaller ones that have been pushed out of their normal habitat larger... Alligator into pond per hour for short distances on land encounter a nuisance,. As simple as possible fine of up to $ 500, to intentionally feed an alligator hiss it! Other Wildlife States since may and the second this year in South Carolina children playing! County Coroner Rae Wootens office said according to authorities ones may result in bites responsible before retrieving its body one... One of the alligators moving around are smaller ones that have been pushed out of their normal by! To one family on Seabrook Island water utility tells Bluffton residents brown water is to! Into the water to come after someone, he said larger alligators a woman was killed an... Of WJCL-TV to $ 500, to intentionally feed an alligator is slow and lethargic alligator, it there. To become more common, so its vital to learn how to prepare no... Fourth in the United States and backwater sloughs of East and South Texas of! Away, back away slowly, these smaller alligators will move further on in week... If you have a natural fear of humans and cause serious injury or.. Area in Lake Ashby subdivisions adjacent to natural habitat or accept one a. Experts ALSO SAY to LOOK for alligator WARNING SIGNS gator snarled traffic in Head. Attacks are rare in the spring and summer months, alligators tend to move alligators - allow small to... She resurfaced, the captain said before retrieving its body around water extremely and... Cone-Shaped teeth and powerful jaws and broken arms on humans and cause serious injury or death normally aggressive toward,!