Kiawah Island's reptiles are a source of wonder and admiration - from majestic Loggerhead sea turtles to American alligators, these creatures play a vital role in our ecosystem. On National Reptile Awareness Day, let's learn more about our alligator population so that we can help protect their habitat for generations to come.
Interesting facts about our American alligators:
∙There are an estimated 650 to 750 alligators on Kiawah Island; this averages to around 5 or 6 per pond.
∙Alligators typically weigh around 500-600 pounds, but they can get up to half a ton in weight!
∙Male alligators can grow up to 15 feet in length, whereas female alligators usually grow to about 9 feet.
∙Female alligators protect their youth until they’re able to fend for themselves – typically around two years.
∙Alligators are typically seen during the day, absorbing energy/heat from the sun, but become active predators at night, relying on specialized sensory organs and their keen sense of hearing to track and locate potential prey.
∙All alligators on Kiawah Island are wild animals. Maintain a distance of at least 60 feet for your safety and that of the animal.
∙Don't feed our alligators! Feeding them is illegal and may result in jail time for you and a death sentence for the alligator.
Learn more about our natural inhabitants with one of the many educational tours provided by our Naturalists. Find more details, visit: https://bit.ly/3Y0kWZb
