Sea Pines confirms multiple recent encounters of pets and alligators, details are scarce
Multiple pets have been killed by alligators in the Sea Pine Resort on Hilton Head Island this month, according to an emailed statement from the Sea Pines Community Services Associates. While the administration of the gated community confirmed that there were incidents with alligators, no further detail including dates, locations or areas to be avoided were provided.
“Over the past few weeks, there have been a couple of unfortunate encounters between unleashed pets and alligators in Sea Pines,” Sea Pines Community Services Associates said over email.
Additional details were found on a Facebook post from Sea Pines residents. The post indicates at least two dogs were killed by the large reptiles.
“A visitor lost their 50lb doodle while in the Nature Preserve and another family lost their Frenchie in their own front yard,” said Heather Guy in a public Hilton Head-focused Facebook group. Guy clarified that she was not present for either incident.
“How awful! Makes me so sad. We have to watch our dogs as if they were children. I’m not sure if visitors are aware to be vigilant. Sea Pines needs to start warning the visitors!” a comment read.
Sea Pines’ has a permit with the SC Department of Natural Resources that allows them to remove gators internally. Because of this, DNR was unable to add any further insight into the situation. Alligator removals are reported to DNR yearly, but removals from this year won’t be reported until early next year.
Sea Pines security would handle nuisance alligators for the gated community. Sea Pines Security declined to confirm any details.
Alligator safety tips
“Sea Pines is a natural habitat for the American alligator. For this reason, all Sea Pines property owners must act with extreme caution and must ensure family members, guests, and visitors are informed and aware when outdoors,” the CSA said.
The CSA also noted that April marks the start of Alligator breeding season, which leads to more active alligators between then and June.
The following alligator safety tips were offered:
Carry a flashlight if walking at dusk or after dark
Keep your pets on a leash
Assume every body of water contains an alligator
Stay at least 60 feet (4 car lengths) away from alligators
Alligators are ambush predators and can move faster than you or your pets
Keep yourself, pets and children away from water’s edge
Swimming or wading is prohibited in Sea Pines’ waterways
Feeding or harassing alligators is dangerous and illegal
When fishing or crabbing do not throw used bait or fish parts into the water
