Conservation and Management: Alligators

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The Spring Island Trust believes the alligator is a critical part of the Spring Island fauna and can coexist with people if certain rules are followed. Alligators can be dangerous, however, and nuisance gators will be removed promptly following the guidelines and permitting procedures established by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

It is normal for gators to bask on the golf course. This does not mean they are a nuisance. You can see them so there is no danger. If a ball lands near a gator, take a mulligan!

Suspected nuisance gators should be reported immediately to the Spring Island Trust (987-7008). If possible, keep the alligator in sight until a Trust staff member arrives.

To download a pdf of the alligator policy, click here.
To download a pdf on alligator biology, click here.

Alligator Rules:

Do not feed alligators.

Do not harass (e.g., throw things at, chase) alligators.

Do not allow unattended children or pets to be near the edges of ponds where large gators are.

Do not approach alligators.

Do not harm alligators.

Do not throw crab bait in pond after crabbing.

Do not throw fish on bank after catching.

Do not clean fish in areas where gators may interact with people.

Do not swim in Spring Island ponds or allow pets to swim in ponds.

Be cautious if you’re in a secluded pond area; alligators nest there and females are very protective of their young.

Do not attempt to catch alligators.

Identifying a nuisance gator:

A nuisance gator is NOT defined by size but is better characterized by behavior. Large gators may be considered a nuisance if they exhibit any of the following behaviors:

Harassing people while fishing, crabbing, or shrimping.

Failing to retreat into the water from approaching people or vehicles may be a problem if the gator is in a bad spot. If this is a repeat offender (e.g., basking on the green), it may be considered a nuisance. A gator that is in the open (e.g., golf course fairway) and not near water has no where to escape and may feel threatened if approached.

Solutions to a nuisance gator:

Gators < 6 feet in length will be relocated to a less populated location on Spring Island.

Gators > 6 feet in length will be captured and killed (large gators return to their locations) by an outside trapper or Spring Island staff member.