Alligators in Sea Pines: 

Sea Pines Community Service Associates (CSA) works directly with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) to regularly manage wildlife in our community in accordance with their requirements. The Sea Pines Security Department is available 24/7 to address wildlife sightings and concerns reported in the community by contacting our security dispatch line at 843.671.7170. Sea Pines CSA also employs a full-time wildlife officer and wildlife biologist to help maintain the delicate balance between humans and our Lowcountry environment. While each report of wildlife is handled on a case-by-case basis, Sea Pines takes wildlife concerns very seriously and works together with designated authorities as appropriate to handle each situation.

Sea Pines CSA works directly with SCDNR to assist in the management of the community’s alligator population. Each year, CSA requests a depredation permit and tags from SCDNR for the removal of nuisance alligators from our community. If an alligator is deemed to be aggressive or nuisance the permit allows us to remove and euthanize that animal based on their behavior patterns. Additionally, South Carolina Law permits us to relocate non-aggressive alligators within Sea Pines. Official SCDNR alligator warning signs are posted in high pedestrian traffic areas, near bodies of water adjacent to leisure trails and at the request of property owners. Information related to alligator safety is posted on our website at www.SeaPinesLiving.com and distributed through various community publications.

Click here to view a Digital Guide to Living with Alligators

Important Safety Tips Regarding Alligators in Sea Pines:

• 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 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

Signs of Aggressive Alligator Behavior or Situations You Should Report to Sea Pines Security:

• Closely approaches humans or pets
• Consistently follows fishermen or pursues hooked fish
• Displays aggression towards humans or pets, including changes in body posture, hissing or slapping tail on water
• You observe an alligator away from water/in an unusual place (e.g. yards, driveways)
• You observe people feeding or harassing alligators
• You observe people approaching alligators too closely (within 60 feet or 4 car lengths)

Immediately call Sea Pines Security at 843.671.7170 to report any aggressive alligator behavior or concerns.