Alligators on Hilton Head Island can grow up to 12 feet in length and are commonly found in our lagoons and creeks. Spring and fall is the best time for viewing as you’ll find them regulating their body temperature by sunning themselves on the banks of a lagoon. During the heat of a summer day they keep cool by remaining in water with only their eyes and nostrils visible. In cold winter months, alligators will become dormant and hide in mud dens they build at the water’s edge. It’s a spectacular sight to witness when an alligator is out and about, moving from one body of water to another. On odd occasions you can see one walking down the beach or swimming along the ocean shore.

Locals on Hilton Head Island have long learned to live with alligators
by sharing a mutual respect of leaving each other alone.

They are not normally aggressive to humans but they can be dangerous if approached or provoked. Be mindful of your children and pets around the lagoons. These animals are lightening quick and incredible fast. They can out run a horse for a short distance. Baby alligators are quite adorable and rather harmless but a mother’s instinct runs fierce so especially stay away from the small ones. Even if you don’t see her she is close by and their relationship can last for up to three years. Alligator attacks are extremely rare and by exercising common sense and caution you won’t have any problems.

Feeding Alligators is Illegal

Of particular importance, please respect the biggest cardinal rule to alligators and that is to never, under any circumstance, ever feed an alligator. The surest way to seal a death sentence for one of these beautiful animals is to feed one. There is an old adage, “if it’s fed, it's dead”.