3 things to keep in mind when you come across an alligator in Charleston's waterways (2024)

For kayakers and paddleboarders, a sunny day on the water is a welcome respite. But something may be lurking just beneath the surface. While floating along the waterways, dark green heads and light brown eyes could peek above the flowing current — and suddenly you’re sharing space with an alligator.

And thanks to Tropical Storm Debby’s torrential rainfall, gators may be found in more waterways and newly flooded areas than usual.

Alligators are semiaquatic and can be found in almost any body of water in coastal South Carolina, according to biologist Morgan Hart, who leads the Private Lands Alligator Program for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).

“It is very common to see alligators in ponds, lakes and rivers,” Hart said. “Most people who swim in these areas have been near alligators whether they knew it or not.”

But water lovers can engage in recreation confidently because alligators tend to keep to themselves. Here are a few things to keep in mind about these placid reptiles:

Generally uninterested in, fearful of humans

Don’t approach alligators, and, of course, don’t feed alligators (it’s illegal).

“The only time alligators really become dangerous is when they’ve lost their natural fear of people,” said SCDNR Assistant Chief of Wildlife Will Dillman. “That usually occurs through people feeding them, either intentionally or unintentionally, by cleaning fish or leaving guts around.”

When alligators start associating people with food, that can become a dangerous situation.

You may be sharing waterways — be alert

People can enjoy the water while confidently coexisting with alligators, and starting your water excursion with alertness is key. After that, it’s really just about staying calm if you end up near one, and avoiding water where fishermen may be discarding bait or fish that may attract them.

“Maintaining safe distances, being aware of surroundings, avoiding the edge of the water and just being cognizant that you may be in areas where alligators are — that should go a long way towards keeping people safe,” Dillman told The Post and Courier.

Always be respectful of an alligator’s space. If an alligator is approaching you while you are in a kayak, remain calm, make loud noises, then leave the area when safe. Female alligators will defend a nest or hatchlings, so if you see a nest or hear hatchlings, calmly leave the area when possible.

Alligator attacks extremely rare here

There are over 400,000 people and thousands of alligators in Charleston County, Hart said. {/span}Many more people are struck by lightning or drown in swimming pools than are bitten by alligators.

“Seeing an alligator is kind of a cool thing,” Dillman said. “A lot of the time people will see the tops of their heads, snouts and eyes above the water or see them sunning themselves on banks.”