GEORGETOWN COUNTY, SC (WMBF) – It's mating season for the alligators native to our area, and experts say that spring-time friskiness could have one of the sneaky reptiles popping up at a neighborhood pond or pool.
It sounds alarming but experts say alligators are generally harmless to people. Giving them space is a good idea though.
"Do not approach the alligator. You want to give it plenty of room to move about, but generally alligators are not that dangerous to people," said Mike Walker, interpretive park ranger at Huntington Beach State Park.
There are some common-sense things people should do though when making contact with an alligator.
"Don't approach them. Don't try to touch them. If you see them going through an area, normally they're just on their way to somewhere else and let them go. Just steer clear of them," Walker said.
During mating season dominant male alligators become territorial and try to drive the smaller males out of their habitat. That's why alligators seen out of the water are typically male.
Walker says it's best to call the South Carolina Department of Natural resources to pick up and alligator only if it's a true threat to a neighborhood. Otherwise, it's most likely trying to find another source of water.
For a couple of alligators in Pawleys Island that source of water is in the Fanning's backyard. They've heard and seen the gators on a regular basis up-close and personal.
"It's a little unsettling. I don't really care for them very much, and I understand they were here before we were, but I wish they would go away. I just don't care for them," Donna Fanning said.
Walker says it's important to remember that it's people who have moved into the gators' homes. He says people should appreciate the chance to see the creatures in action.
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