Here are some safety tips and tricks to keep in mind as alligators make their way out and about.<\/p>\n
Why are more alligators out now?<\/p>\n
According to the SCDNR<\/a>, April is the official start of mating season for alligators, which means both adults and juveniles will be seen moving around.<\/p>\n Alligators<\/a> reach sexual maturity when they are between 6 and 8 feet long. They begin courting in early April and breed in late May through early June.<\/p>\n The SCDNR says<\/a> that a safe distance from alligators is often situational, but a good rule of thumb is to stay at least 10 feet away from any edge of water during the spring, whether you see an alligator or not.<\/p>\n \u201cAlways pay attention to your surroundings; alligators are very still and can easily blend in with nature,\u201d said Shannon Matzke, marine educator and public program coordinator for the University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you do see an alligator, make sure to stay alert and do not to approach it.<\/p>\n What should I do if an alligator approaches me?<\/p>\n Alligators are most dangerous in the water or at the shallow edges.<\/p>\n While they do make travels over land, it is typically only in search of a new habitat, mates or prey.<\/p>\n If an alligator begins to move toward you on land, here are some tips from the University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant<\/a>, which studies alligators in the Southeast coastal and swamp areas:<\/p>\n Don\u2019t provoke it and remain calmBack away slowlyFind higher groundMake loud noisesWhat if I\u2019m alone?<\/p>\n If you are alone and encounter an alligator coming toward you, continue to back away slowly and make loud noises to scare it off.<\/p>\n Alligators are usually not aggressive toward humans, according to the SCDNR. While unprovoked attacks by alligators are rare, unusual behavior does occur.<\/p>\n The SCDNR reports<\/a> that most alligator attacks are non-fatal, although one-third of incidents involved repeated bites, major injury or death, with serious and repeated attacks normally made by alligators greater than 8 feet long.<\/p>\n What to do if you\u2019re attacked or witness an attack<\/p>\n Alligators<\/a> clamp down with powerful jaws, then twist and roll. If an alligator bites your arm, the SCDNR recommends<\/a> trying to grab the alligator and roll with it to reduce tearing of the arm.<\/p>\n Strike the nose of the alligator hard and often, and try to gouge the eyes. If at all possible, do not allow the alligator to pull you into the water.<\/p>\n If you are a bystander, aim to strike the alligator in the recommended areas if possible, call 9-1-1 and contact the SCDNR<\/a> to report a nuisance alligator. The phone number to contact for nuisance alligators in Beaufort County is: (803) 625-3569.<\/p>\n How do alligators hunt?<\/p>\n The SCDNR says that alligators do not hunt on land. They are ambush predators<\/a> and use camouflage to stay hidden or submerged in the water to quietly approach prey.<\/p>\n When an alligator is on land, they are generally basking in the sun to warm their body temperature. When on land, they feel exposed and at risk and may be more likely to act defensively if approached, according to the SCDNR<\/a>.<\/p>\n Do alligators chase humans?<\/p>\n \u201cHumans are not typically prey for alligators,\u201d Matzke said. \u201cWe\u2019re kind of an intimidating creature; we\u2019ve got legs and arms that they don\u2019t want to mess with.\u201d<\/p>\n According to the SCDNR, alligators also do not chase people. Since alligators feel more vulnerable on land, the two most likely scenarios for an alligator moving toward you are: you are either between the alligator and the water (where it feels safest) or you are too close and the alligator is trying to scare you away.<\/p>\n To scare away humans, alligators will open their mouths, hiss and move forward about a foot or two if they feel particularly threatened. In this case, follow the same safety tips of moving away from the alligator and the water.<\/p>\n Other safety tips<\/p>\n Do not feed alligators; it is illegal and encourages alligators to overcome their natural shyness of humans, resulting in more possible injuries.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t throw fish scraps into the water or feed other wildlife in areas where alligators live.Don\u2019t allow small children or pets to play by themselves in or around water.Keep all pets on leashes and near you if you are near water areas.Avoid bodies of water during mating season and swim only during daylight hours in designated swimming areas.Why alligators are important to the environment<\/p>\n Alligators are an important part of South Carolina\u2019s natural history, as well as an integral component of many wetland ecosystems.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are species of alligators today that are some of the last relatives of dinosaurs,\u201d said Matzke. \u201cThey help to control populations of other animals and protect important wildlife throughout the coastal ecosystem, so while they might look scary, it\u2019s important to have them around.\u201d<\/p>\n This story was originally published April 9, 2026 at 6:00 AM.<\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3f9910ae-a63d-40f3-9a1d-f4f407c13140.png\" "\\"3f9910ae-a63d-40f3-9a1d-f4f407c13140\\"")
An image of an alligator. Image via Shutterstock \/ Wirestock Creators What is a safe distance?<\/p>\n
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