alligators?

I have read that there are alligators in lagoons and fresh water ponds in Hilton Head. It seems like all of the condos have these lagoons.

How big of a problem are the alligators? I%26#39;ve heard that you should just leave them alone and I%26#39;m not planning on giving them a big kiss or anything. But I am bringing my dog, (who will always be on a leash when outside.) Is it dangerous for the dog just walking by the lagoons?

Sorry to be so stupid, but I%26#39;m from the North and I have no familiarity with alligators!

alligators?

Thanks for asking these very intelligent questions!

The American alligator is a national treasure and a beloved - but respected - part of lowcountry ecology. Alligators can be dangerous to curious pooches if the dog owners don%26#39;t take basic precautions.

From our experience at Kiawah and from my own experience growing up in Florida ...Keep your dog on a leash and, when you cannot be outside with him, bring him inside. Give the gators a wide berth. If you don%26#39;t bother them, they will just lie there picturesquely.

Alligators like to bask in the sun near the edge of the water. Don%26#39;t feed them, touch them, sniff at them, etc. Some people don%26#39;t realize that the alligators can move very fast if they are incited to do so, but only in a forward direction. Stay away from the tail, too, since one swat can break a bone. If you are lucky enough to see some baby alligators, stay very far away. Mother alligators are extremely protective of their young.

alligators?

Remember, the lagoons are their homes. Anyone or anything in or at the edge of their water is fair game. In the water they will protect their territory. When hungry anything at waters edge is prey. The most populated areas of gators is Shipyards and Sea Pines, althought they are numerous throughout the Island.