DeBordieu Colony Alligator Safety Tips

When you think of summer in DeBordieu Colony, many things come to mind: warm weather, friends and family visiting our beautiful, unique community, trips to the beach or creek, golf and tennis to name a few. Also, along with the warmer weather comes alligators.

Tips You Need to Know about Alligator Safety

Alligators are common in DeBordieu Colony and can be found in any of the ponds.

Nevertheless, here are some suggestions from the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory to avoid encounters:

Do not feed alligators

Also, do not feed ducks, turtles, or other animals inhabiting the water with alligators as the food source attracts the reptiles and trains them to associate humans with food. Do not clean fish in the water or leave scraps or bait on the ground as that can also be a food source.

If you see an alligator, maintain a distance of 60 feet

Alligators can move very fast and have massive strength.

Never disturb a nest or small alligators

Some female alligators will become aggressive if they are provoked. Just because you don’t see the mother does not mean she is not there.

Keep pets and children away from alligators

Large alligators do not recognize the difference between pets and wild food sources. Keep your pets on a leash around bodies of water that could have alligators and do not let your children swim, play or wade in the water, even at the edge. To an alligator, a splash means a potential food source is in the water.

Don’t swim or wade in ponds or the marsh

Again, splashing means a potential food source for alligators. Also, avoid fishing in waters with alligators as some will grab a hooked fish or eat a fish on a stringer. Avoid heavy vegetation in or near the water’s edge.